Students’ assessment of electronic waste environmental management and sustainability at an emirati federal institution

Abstract

With the ever-shortening lifespan of electronic devices due to advancements in electronics and attractive consumer designs, a dramatic rise in the electronic waste magnitude has been reported as a severe challenge worldwide. These devices do contain not only valuable recyclable materials but also toxic chemicals which can impose human effects and environmental pollution. This paper investigates the awareness among UAE educated people about the electronic waste magnitude. Regionally, UAE generates 17.2 kg of e-waste per capita every year. It ranks among the highest producers of e-waste in the middle-east. As such, in efforts to develop guide strategies and extend awareness among UAE population, a diagnostic survey was conducted and spread among 562 government undergraduate students (202 males and 360 females). One significant finding revealed that despite only one-quarter of the students are not genuinely aware of e-waste definition and its environmental effects; those who are aware are not effectively practicing appropriate e-waste disposal potentially due to the lack of motivation and willingness. Finally, recommendations for engaging students in environmental sustainability through in-campus standards and operations are followed.