ELECTRONIC WASTE: PERCEPTIONS, HABITS, AND DISPOSAL PRACTICES WITHIN AUNIVERSITY COMMUNITY
Abstract
Brazil ranks as the fifth-largest producer of electronic waste (e-waste) and faces challenges regarding its improper disposal.
This study assessed the awareness and practices related to e-waste disposal among members of an academic community. A total
of 648 individuals participated in the study by responding to an online questionnaire; 61.0% of them reported awareness of the
environmental risks associated with improper e-waste disposal, and 57.3% still disposed of their mobile phones improperly.
Among those reporting improper disposal practices, 25.0% stored old mobile phones at home, which hampers material recovery,
reuse, or recycling, resulting in economic losses and environmental harm. Furthermore, the analysis of disposal practices
showed that the presence of disposal points is not directly linked to the habit of correct disposal. Most individuals (75.0%) were
unaware of reverse logistics mechanisms and the Brazilian National Solid Waste Policy. These findings underscore the urgent
need for awareness-raising strategies to emphasize the individual responsibility in the proper disposal of e-waste
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