Electronic-waste and awareness towards its disposal: A study in Dibrugarh district of Assam

Abstract

E-waste is a term used to cover all items of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) and its parts that have been discarded by its owner as waste without the intent of re-use. The purpose of this research article is to study user’s awareness towards the proper disposal and management of E-waste in Dibrugarh District. The study is based on primary data collected through a structured questionnaire and can be useful in future policy formulation for e-waste management and in spreading awareness among the people about e-waste. The findings show that the level of awareness about e-waste and its management of the majority of the respondents are low. Moreover, it is also found that as many as around 28 per cents of respondents were completely unaware of e-waste issues. As far as the post-consumption behaviour is concerned, only 1 per cent of the total respondents agreed that they took the unused products to the local recycling centre while around 25 per cent of the respondents threw the old unused products in trash or garbage. The study thus suggests proper public education and sensitization on the hazardous effects of retaining e-wastes as well as marking of some e-waste drop off or collection points across the city would enhance an effective and efficient collection of obsolete electronic products.