Green economics: e-waste recycling intentions of urban South Africans

Abstract

Electronic waste (e-waste) pertains to all electrical and electronic devices that have reached the end of their operational life, posing environmental hazards. It stands out as one of the rapidly expanding sectors on a global scale. This paper aims to apply the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to predict consumer intentions towards e-waste recycling, pinpointing the key factors contributing most significantly to behavioural intentions. Through a quantitative approach involving online surveys, data was gathered from 522 respondents. The collected data underwent exploratory factor analysis and structural equation modelling for analysis. The investigation pinpointed the following factors as the primary catalysts for behavioural intention: (a) the convenience associated with e-waste recycling, (b) attitudes regarding e-waste recycling, and (c) the environmental awareness exhibited by consumers. This research offers valuable insights for scholars, marketing practitioners, and environmental experts, aiding them in comprehending and fostering environmentally conscious consumer behaviour.