Title: Awareness, disposal behaviours, willingness, and inflow of electronic waste in Faisalabad, Pakistan

Authors: Muhammad Arslan Aslam; Mokbul Morshed Ahmad; Sheharyaar Farid; Safeerul Islam Hashmi

Addresses: Departement of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Government College University Faisalabad (GCUF), Faisalabad, Punjab, 38000, Pakistan; Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand ' Department of Development and Sustainability, Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand ' Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country, Basque, Spain ' Department of Development and Sustainability, Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand

Abstract: This study examines electronic waste awareness, disposal behaviours, and willingness to manage e-waste in Pakistan. Surveys, field visits, and questionnaires were used to collect data from consumers and businesses from February 2022 to April 2022. The findings show that 75.2% of participants were unaware of electronic waste, with 82% lacking knowledge of its hazardous effects. Around 45% sold their waste to informal recycling sectors. However, 91% expressed willingness to engage in e-waste management schemes. The research emphasises the urgent need for an awareness campaign in Pakistan to educate the public about the risks associated with e-waste. Implementing legislation to prevent e-waste inflow is crucial. To tackle these challenges, the government should establish and enforce policies for proper disposal and recycling, support the growth of formal recycling industries, conduct public awareness campaigns for sustainable e-waste management.

Keywords: waste electric and electronic equipment; WEEE; e-waste; awareness; behaviours; inflow; recycling; Pakistan.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWM.2025.144994

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 2025 Vol.36 No.4, pp.472 - 490

Received: 22 Nov 2022
Accepted: 06 May 2023
Published online: 17 Mar 2025 *

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