Computer waste management and awareness

Abstract

Increasing volume of discarded electric and electrical waste (e-waste) in waste stream is one of the critical environmental issues faced by many countries. A survey was conducted in 2014 and 2015 at Johor Bahru Tengah (Western Zone) namely Skudai, Gelang Patah, Kangkar Pulai, Lima Kedai and Ulu Choh covering 600 public respondents and 65 randomly selected retailers. The objectives of the study were to identify the awareness among public and retailers on the management of computer waste as well as to estimates recycled computer waste. It is aimed at developing profiles of recyclers among public and computer retailers. Collected data were analysed using Predictive Analytics Software (PASW). Even though awareness on environmental risk of computer waste for both public and retailers were high, it did not reflect in their handling. Based on bivariate analysis, education was found to be significant at 99 percent confident level (p<0.01) in affecting awareness level. However for retailers, both the role of education and working experience were significant (i.e., p<0.01). Respondents with higher income and education tend to have higher awareness on effect of computer wastes towards environmental hazards. The awareness on valuable materials in e-waste was due to working experience and education. Total computer waste collected within the study time frame at the study areas were approximately 1,219 kg. Shops generated 658 kg of computer wastes within five months in 2014 and 561 kg in six months in 2015 (with an average of 131.6 kg per month in 2014 and 93.5 kg in 2015). As a result, the study indicated a high potential for computer waste recycling in the study areas. The study can help the authority in terms of providing a database needed to estimate e-waste generation in other regions as well as developing appropriate policies and facilities to improve e-waste management.