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E-Waste Recycling Behavior in the United Arab Emirates: Investigating the Roles of Environmental Consciousness, Cost, and Infrastructure Support

Author

Listed:
  • Kareem Abdul Waheed

    (School of Management and Entrepreneurship, Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence Deemed to Be University, Greater Noida 201314, India)

  • Abhilasha Singh

    (College of Business Administration, American University in the Emirates, Dubai P.O. Box 503000, United Arab Emirates)

  • Ayisha Siddiqua

    (College of Natural and Health Sciences, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 144534, United Arab Emirates)

  • Maisa El Gamal

    (College of Natural and Health Sciences, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 144534, United Arab Emirates)

  • Mohammed Laeequddin

    (Department of Operations Management and Quantitative Techniques, Indian Institute of Management Bodh Gaya, Bodh Gaya 824234, India)

Abstract

This study examines whether consumers’ behavior affects e-waste recycling in the UAE. This paper provides a theoretical model of e-waste recycling behavior based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB), and it goes on to analyze the impact of environmental consciousness, infrastructural support, and costs in e-waste recycling. To assess this study’s constructs, a survey instrument is created. The theoretical model is tested using data gathered from a survey of UAE residents. PLS-SEM (partial least squares structural equations modeling) is used to assess the data. The results support the use of the TPB in the e-waste recycling behavior context. Furthermore, this study shows intriguing findings regarding the effect of environmental consciousness, perceived infrastructural support, and the cost of e-waste recycling. Environmental consciousness shows a positive moderation effect on the association between e-waste recycling attitudes and intentions. This finding implies that the environmental consciousness of residents should be increased to translate e-waste recycling intentions into behavior. Environmental consciousness can be enhanced through training programs. Furthermore, special sustainability courses in higher education that focus on improving environmental awareness among students will have a lasting impact. This study supports the positive moderation effect of perceived infrastructure support on the association between recycling intentions and behavior.

Suggested Citation

  • Kareem Abdul Waheed & Abhilasha Singh & Ayisha Siddiqua & Maisa El Gamal & Mohammed Laeequddin, 2023. "E-Waste Recycling Behavior in the United Arab Emirates: Investigating the Roles of Environmental Consciousness, Cost, and Infrastructure Support," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(19), pages 1-19, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:19:p:14365-:d:1250651
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    1. Dina Mohamed & Adham Fayad & Abdel-Mohsen O. Mohamed & Moza T. Al Nahyan, 2025. "The Role of E-Waste in Sustainable Mineral Resource Management," Waste, MDPI, vol. 3(3), pages 1-42, August.

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