The factors influencing consumers’ e-waste recycling intention : a cross-generational study

Abstract

Electronic waste (e-waste) is a real-world problem and is being generated at an alarming pace; its generation is projected to outpace solid waste. Electronic devices are becoming more accessible, and new technologies are emerging rapidly, increasing consumer consumption. This increased consumption is leading to a surge in the generation of e-waste. Consumer disposal methods are primarily unsustainable, which poses a significant risk to human health and the environment, threatening resource conservation due to the hazardous nature of e-waste. This research aimed to determine the factors influencing consumer e-waste recycling intentions across generational cohorts. Intentions drive behaviours and represent the motivation to engage in specific behaviours, making it crucial to understand the factors influencing consumers’ e-waste recycling intentions and how intentions differ across generations. The Theory of Planned Behaviour theoretically anchored this study, and the research questions and hypotheses were formulated based on the expanded Theory of Planned Behaviour, which directed the study in terms of data gathering and data analysis. To address the research problem/question, this study adopted a quantitative mono-method approach aligned with previous studies investigating similar quantitative relationships. A non-probability sampling technique was used, and the final data collected and analysed was based on 252 valid respondents. The study’s results revealed that environmental attitude, subjective norms and awareness of consequences were major influences on consumers’ e-waste recycling intention. In contrast, marketing campaigns and consumer recycling confidence did not influence consumers’ e-waste recycling intentions. Substantial differences were found among the generational cohorts regarding their e-waste recycling intention. Baby Boomers had a relatively higher inclination to recycle e-waste.