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

Piotr Nowakowski, Sandra Kuśnierz, Julia Płoszaj and Patrycja Sosna
Additional contact information
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

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 22, 1-18

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.

Keywords: waste electrical and electronic equipment; WEEE; small e-waste; social attitude; circular economy; collection methods; social awareness; containers for e-waste (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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