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Collecting Small-Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment in Poland—How Can Containers Help in Disposal of E-Waste by Individuals?

Author

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  • Piotr Nowakowski

    (Department of Transport Systems, Traffic Engineering and Logistics, Faculty of Transport and Aviation Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, ul. Krasińskiego 8, 40-019 Katowice, Poland)

  • Sandra Kuśnierz

    (LogistiCAD Student Research Group, Faculty of Transport and Aviation Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, ul. Krasińskiego, 40-019 Katowice, Poland)

  • Julia Płoszaj

    (LogistiCAD Student Research Group, Faculty of Transport and Aviation Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, ul. Krasińskiego, 40-019 Katowice, Poland)

  • Patrycja Sosna

    (LogistiCAD Student Research Group, Faculty of Transport and Aviation Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, ul. Krasińskiego, 40-019 Katowice, Poland)

Abstract

The effectiveness of e-waste collection depends on organizational and social factors. Individuals should have easy access to collection points and be aware of proper methods of e-waste disposal. This article investigates the availability, usability, and occurring irregularities of the container collection of small-waste electrical and electronic equipment. The study explores the attitude and behavior of individuals when disposing of small-waste equipment in the South of Poland. The results show that ninety-five percent of supermarkets’ managers responsible for waste management find a growing interest in the disposal of small e-waste by individuals. An increasing number of collection containers encourages residents to dispose of small-waste appliances. More than eighty-three percent of respondents are aware of proper methods of e-waste disposal. Additional information campaigns addressed to residents are required to prevent mixing electrical and electronic waste with other waste and to encourage the disposal of small e-waste. The intention to dispose of small e-waste was declared by only thirty-two percent of respondents. Containers with discarded easy breakable items, such as lamps, should be removed more frequently. The collection containers’ noticeability is evaluated by individuals as of average difficulty. The containers in supermarkets have simple designs and labels indicating the category of waste for disposal. The containers installed in residential areas have attractive designs and advertising slogans. The individuals expect the containers should be available in more locations that are easily accessible from households. The results of this study should be helpful for local authorities, waste collection companies, and waste electrical and electronic organizations, to support design, location selection, and information campaigns for small e-waste container collections.

Suggested Citation

  • Piotr Nowakowski & Sandra Kuśnierz & Julia Płoszaj & Patrycja Sosna, 2021. "Collecting Small-Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment in Poland—How Can Containers Help in Disposal of E-Waste by Individuals?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(22), pages 1-18, November.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:22:p:12422-:d:676254
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Parajuly, Keshav & Habib, Komal & Liu, Gang, 2017. "Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) in Denmark: Flows, quantities and management," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 123(C), pages 85-92.
    2. Raffaele Isernia & Renato Passaro & Ivana Quinto & Antonio Thomas, 2019. "The Reverse Supply Chain of the E-Waste Management Processes in a Circular Economy Framework: Evidence from Italy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(8), pages 1-19, April.
    3. Tetiana Shevchenko & Kirsi Laitala & Yuriy Danko, 2019. "Understanding Consumer E-Waste Recycling Behavior: Introducing a New Economic Incentive to Increase the Collection Rates," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(9), pages 1-20, May.
    4. Cucchiella, Federica & D’Adamo, Idiano & Lenny Koh, S.C. & Rosa, Paolo, 2015. "Recycling of WEEEs: An economic assessment of present and future e-waste streams," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 51(C), pages 263-272.
    5. Roberta Alves & Karen Lana Alves Ferreira & Renato da Silva Lima & Flavia Tuane Ferreira Moraes, 2021. "An Action Research Study for Elaborating and Implementing an Electronic Waste Collection Program in Brazil," Systemic Practice and Action Research, Springer, vol. 34(1), pages 91-108, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. Gimhan Jayasiri & Sunil Herat & Prasad Kaparaju, 2023. "Management of Small WEEE: Future Directions for Australia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-22, September.
    2. Hilal Shams & Altaf Hossain Molla & Mohd Nizam Ab Rahman & Hawa Hishamuddin & Zambri Harun & Nallapaneni Manoj Kumar, 2023. "Exploring Industry-Specific Research Themes on E-Waste: A Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(16), pages 1-22, August.

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