Culturally Localized DfA Driven Learning on Electronic Waste Management and Recycling Behaviour in China

Abstract

Supported by UNEP-Tongji Partnership, the Institute of Environment for Sustainable Development (IESD), D&I Tongji University in Shanghai organized a course on e-waste among a sample of students in autumn 2020. The goal was to offer participants an overlook of e-waste through the combination of a seminar and a design-driven workshop, discuss the risks associated with inappropriate recycling, and guide them with a Design for All approach into co-designing strategies for sustainable development, appropriate to the local culture and modus operandi. The discussion also tackled behaviours improving health and environmental outcomes. Previous research has shown that consumer learning on how to recycle electronic devices and appliances is crucial for reducing pollution and health risks, but, in many countries, there is still a lack of understanding of proper recycling practices. Before and after the seminar, students completed identical questionnaires. The survey included closed and open questions about e-waste recycling intention, knowledge, awareness. The goal was to assess if, before and after the course, the understanding of e-waste recycling changed. Results showed that participation in the course increased awareness towards how to recycle e-waste, the knowledge, and the intention to use proper recycling facilities. The questionnaire also confirmed some logistic barriers and a possible gap between intention and actual behaviour. Using educational tools and informative seminars in collaboration with environmental agencies and Universities is a time and cost-efficient initiative to increase e-waste awareness. However, these initiatives should be paired with public and private interventions to give consumers the tools to make recycling easy and practicable.