Usage of electronics and generation of E-waste in Singapore

Aw, Li Ling (2023) Usage of electronics and generation of E-waste in Singapore. [Dissertation (University of Nottingham only)]

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Abstract

The global consumer electronics market has grown at 4.50% annually and forecasted to break US$1 trillion by 2029, with expected 3 billion users out of a global population of 8 billion. As consumer electronics become an indispensable part of our everyday lives, electronic waste (E-waste) has become a critical global concern as E-waste correspondingly is expected to increase by 30% by 2030. E-waste, if not properly dealt with, are hazards to population health and damaging to the environment, not to say that high economic values worth at least US$60 billion are lost through improper reuse of precious metals. Only 17% of E-waste are currently recycled.

E-waste in particular is a major concern for Singapore. Steady population growth over the past decades and high consumer electronic user penetration rate (expected to hit 40% by 2027) led to a seven fold increase in waste generation of which only 6% are recycled. This threatens Singapore’s only landfill which is expected to be full by 2035 if nothing is done to reduce E-waste whilst Singapore is confronted with land scarcity and high costs issues. Studies by authorities have shown that consumers are willing to take the initiative to reduce E-waste if given the option and avenues to do so. Therefore, this study aims to study consumer behaviours which may positively influence responsible E-waste management.

Results of this study have shown some extent of statistical significance for factors such as gender, social values and awareness to have potential positive correlation to responsible consumer behaviour although further analysis and data collection is required beyond this study to establish empirical evidence of exact causal relationships of other factors. Implications on existing literature and recommendations are also discussed in this study.

Item Type: Dissertation (University of Nottingham only)
Keywords: consumer electronic; electronic waste management; E-waste; green value; sustainability; responsible consumption; consumer behaviour
Depositing User: Aw, Li
Date Deposited: 25 Jul 2023 06:40
Last Modified: 25 Jul 2023 06:40
URI: https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/73397

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