E-WASTE RECYCLING FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY: MODELLING E-WASTE BEHAVIOR IN MALAYSIA

Abstract

E-waste, or electronic waste, refers to discarded electronic products that no longer function as intended. Improper management of e-waste disposal can result in environmental pollution and risks to human health. This study aims to identify the determinants of e-waste recycling among the Malaysian public in Negeri Sembilan. The study design uses a quantitative approach, and data was obtained using a questionnaire. The study sample involved 300 respondents who were selected using multi-stage sampling. The final data of 258 respondents were analysed using Parametric Analysis, namely Pearson correlation and multiple regression. The study results showed that policy and regulation, moral obligation, waste sorting knowledge, facility support, and subjective factors significantly influence e-waste recycling. On the other hand, attitude and time availability do not predict e-waste recycling. The study results also found that policy and regulation have the most decisive influence on e-waste recycling. Therefore, the government should enforce laws related to e-waste disposal. For example, mandating people to separate e-waste will ease garbage collectors to bring e-waste to special disposal centres. It can still be seen that many people take recycling for granted, which can save resources, prevent pollution, and contribute to public health. Therefore, policy and regulation are necessary to reduce e-waste dumped into landfills and to prevent pollution due to unsystematic e-waste management.