Residents’ Attitudes, Behaviour, and Willingness to Recycle E-waste in Brunei Darussalam

Abstract

Today, the electronics industry is the largest and fastest-growing manufacturing sector in the world. The rapid expansion of this industry coupled with the brief product lifespan generates an enormous amount of e-waste. Increasing amounts of waste from the electronics industry pose a significant problem for many lower-middle income nations today. For proper disposal and routing of e-waste, consumer cognizance plays a crucial role in directing e-waste to its authorised collection centres and authorised recyclers. Financial constraints, inadequate storage facilities and information on e-waste, lack of awareness on the impacts of e-waste, the absence of rules and regulations, and the lack of an appropriate description of roles and responsibilities pertaining to e-waste management, among other factors, may be impeding e-waste management. In this research, a primary survey is conducted to determine consumers’ awareness and preferences regarding the disposal of electronic waste. The survey was conducted in Brunei Darussalam with 351 consumers using a structured questionnaire. This survey questionnaire’s demographic profile includes gender, age group, employment status, household size, and income range. Knowledge of e-waste, awareness of e-waste, willingness to recycle, and consumer preference regarding the appropriate disposal and management of e-waste were identified using exploratory factor analysis. The study reveals that 57.3% of respondents comprehend the definition of e-waste, with 89.9% of respondents using a mobile phone daily and 86.6% using a computer daily. 58.1% of respondents do not know what to do with their e-waste, so the majority retain it at home. The primary concern regarding e-waste disposal is a lack of knowledge about recycling facilities. Approximately 66% of respondents are willing to pay between BND $ 1 - 10 for the disposal or recycling of e-waste, and 38% are willing to travel between 1 and 5 kilometers for disposal or recycling. 76% of respondents concurred that the government should subsidise e-waste disposal. By comprehending attitudes, behaviour, and willingness to recycle e-waste, a comprehensive e-waste management policy can be formulated.