Title: Factors affecting community participation in an e-waste recycling program

Authors: Hong Thi Thu Nguyen; Chun-Hung Lee; Hang Thi Thu Nguyen; Thi Thanh Thuy Phan; Van Viet Nguyen; Rern-Jay Hung

Addresses: Faculty of Chemistry, The University of Danang – University of Science and Education, Le Duan Road, Danang 550000, Vietnam ' Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, College of Environmental Studies and Oceanography, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien 97401, Taiwan ' Department of Academic Affairs, Danang University of Medical Technology and Pharmacy, Hung Vuong Road, Danang 550000, Vietnam ' Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, College of Environmental Studies and Oceanography, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien 97401, Taiwan; Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, Dong Nai Campus, Vietnam National University of Forestry, Bien Hoa 810000, Dong Nai, Vietnam ' Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, College of Environmental Studies and Oceanography, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien 97401, Taiwan; Faculty of Silviculture, Dong Nai Campus, Vietnam National University of Forestry, Bien Hoa 810000, Dong Nai, Vietnam ' International Bachelor Degree Program in Finance, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 91201, Taiwan

Abstract: In the process of moving towards a sustainable society and circular economy, the recycling of e-waste has been an indispensable target for all nations from the perspectives of environmental protection and resource utilisation. As citizens are considered key implementers in the recycling system, the study aims to grasp factors affecting community participation in the e-waste recycling program in Vietnam. The logistic regression model was used to analyse the data of 600 household members collected via face-to-face interviews. The results suggest that 'abstract norms' and 'conveniences and incentives' are the most important indicators in positively explaining recycling participation. It is also detected that only income has a significant influence on residents' decision whether to be involved in e-waste recycling. This study is expected to share necessary information to policymakers, especially, for some countries whose e-waste regulations are under revision, aiming to ensure environmentally sound management of hazardous waste and circular economy.

Keywords: community participation; e-waste recycling; abstract norms; conveniences and incentives; circular economy; sustainable development goals.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWM.2025.143501

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 2025 Vol.36 No.1, pp.95 - 110

Received: 13 Jan 2022
Accepted: 29 Aug 2022
Published online: 30 Dec 2024 *

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