Abstract
The effectiveness of e-waste collection depends on organizational and social factors. Individuals should have easy access to collection points and be aware of proper methods of e-waste disposal. This article investigates the availability, usability, and occurring irregularities of the container collection of small-waste electrical and electronic equipment. The study explores the attitude and behavior of individuals when disposing of small-waste equipment in the South of Poland. The results show that ninety-five percent of supermarkets’ managers responsible for waste management find a growing interest in the disposal of small e-waste by individuals. An increasing number of collection containers encourages residents to dispose of small-waste appliances. More than eighty-three percent of respondents are aware of proper methods of e-waste disposal. Additional information campaigns addressed to residents are required to prevent mixing electrical and electronic waste with other waste and to encourage the disposal of small e-waste. The intention to dispose of small e-waste was declared by only thirty-two percent of respondents. Containers with discarded easy breakable items, such as lamps, should be removed more frequently. The collection containers’ noticeability is evaluated by individuals as of average difficulty. The containers in supermarkets have simple designs and labels indicating the category of waste for disposal. The containers installed in residential areas have attractive designs and advertising slogans. The individuals expect the containers should be available in more locations that are easily accessible from households. The results of this study should be helpful for local authorities, waste collection companies, and waste electrical and electronic organizations, to support design, location selection, and information campaigns for small e-waste container collections.
Highlights
Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) or e-waste collections have been well-established for about fifteen years in the European Union (EU) and other countries such as Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea [1,2,3]
The data collected from the questionnaire allows for investigating the attitude of residents towards disposal and recycling of e-waste, behavior, and intentions for discarding of small WEEE
Additional responses to the survey included some important observations—the customers tend to dispose of small e-waste more frequently than they used to a few years ago
Summary
Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) or e-waste collections have been well-established for about fifteen years in the European Union (EU) and other countries such as Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea [1,2,3]. A large variety of equipment requires various methods of waste collection [9]. The collection can be conducted in stationary points such as municipal or local collection centers. Mobile collection methods, such as curbside collections [10] or on-demand waste collection [11], are in the field of interest of collection companies. Large household appliances and Sustainability 2021, 13, 12422.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
