Title: Domestic flow of laptops and peripherals: evaluating reverse logistics in a Brazilian municipality

Authors: Anna Kryslene Viana Chianca Brilhante; Claudia Coutinho Nóbrega

Addresses: Federal University of Paraiba, Campus I Allotment Cidade Universitária, PB, 58051-900, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil ' Federal University of Paraiba, Campus I Allotment Cidade Universitária, PB, 58051-900, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil

Abstract: The growing consumption and disposal of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) pose hazardous waste challenges. With its reverse logistics approach, Brazil's National Solid Waste Policy is crucial in mitigating environmental and health risks. This study aimed to identify the household generation and disposal of laptops and peripherals in João Pessoa/PB, the capital of the state of Paraíba. Data was collected by contacting users of laptops and peripherals using a questionnaire, 96.36% of respondents had laptops in use and 34.81% had at least one laptop out of use. Common laptop issues included slowness, crashes and battery problems. Among the peripherals stored, the mouse, headphones and keyboard predominated. The study identified a lack of awareness about collection points, with cost being the primary hindrance to repairs. To enhance proper disposal, there is a critical need for awareness campaigns and an increased number of collection points.

Keywords: household waste; electronic waste; circular economy; e-waste; electronic waste; developing countries; obsolescence; waste disposal; Brazil.

DOI: 10.1504/LAJMSD.2024.141348

Latin American Journal of Management for Sustainable Development, 2024 Vol.6 No.3, pp.265 - 286

Received: 22 Nov 2023
Accepted: 04 Mar 2024
Published online: 09 Sep 2024 *

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