Analysis of Intentions to Recycle Electronic Waste (E-Waste) Using the Theory of Planned Behavior: A Case Study in Urban Areas of Vietnam

Abstract

The theory of planned behavior (TPB) was used as a theoretical framework for systematically investigating the determinants of e-waste recycling behavior. The data for this study were collected from 1,806 households living in Hanoi city, Danang city and Hochiminh city, Vietnam. The findings suggest that TPB components explained a substantial proportion of variance in intentions to recycle e-waste (26.7%). The most important predictor was perceived behavioral control (β = 0.331, p <0.001), the second strongest predictor was subjective norm (β = 0.159, p <0.001) and the weakest was attitudes (β = 0.108, p <0.001). Recycling habit and interest in economic benefit also were found to be significantly contributed to e-waste recycling intentions. Implication of the findings for establishing a management and recycling system specified for e-waste in Vietnam was discussed.