Extend Theory of Planned Behavior for Recycling in Electronic Waste

Abstract

Electronic waste (e-waste) is generated at a rapid pace when there are millions of electronic appliances including mobile phones, televisions, computers, laptops, and tablets have very short time lifespans. In addition, e-waste is classified as any types of electric and electronic merchandises that have no value to consumers. Even though e-waste is known as trash, but it can be used as a secondary resource to decrease the number of hazardous contents that may harm the environment. Despite being thrown away,e-waste can be reused, resold, recovered, remanufactured, and recycled. Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) is used as an underpinning theory to examine the factors that influence consumer’s behaviour towards e-waste recycling in Malaysia. TPB is a classical theory to predict one’s beliefs and behaviour. The theory shows that attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control could explain an individual’s behavioural intentions and behaviours. However, TPB is insufficient to explain pro-environmental actions such as returning e-waste. Recycling behaviour involves external resources and expertise. Thus, this study extended the theory by incorporating other factors such as awareness of the environment consequences, perceived convenience, and moral obligation. This study will use an online survey. Data will be selected and collected from respondents in Malaysia who age above 18 years old and use electronic products via purposive sampling method. Structural equation modelling (SEM) approach will be employed for data analysis and hypotheses testing. The findings of this review are significant to the government, organizations, electronic consumers and researchers that e-waste recycling can be enhanced using extended TPB. Keywords: Electronic waste (e-waste), Electronic Appliances, Recycling, Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB)