E-waste Knowledge and Disposal Behaviour: The Role of E-waste Information

Abstract

Electronic waste (e-waste) is an increasing environmental and public health concern due to the hazardous substances released through improper disposal. This study examined the relationship between e-waste knowledge and awareness and disposal behaviour and assessed the moderating role of e-waste information among community members. A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed, with data collected through an online questionnaire from 215 respondents. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Cronbach’s alpha, Pearson correlation, and Hayes’ PROCESS Model 1. The constructs demonstrated acceptable to good reliability (α = .765–.827). Knowledge and awareness (M = 3.39) had the highest mean, followed by disposal behaviour (M = 3.15) and e-waste information (M = 3.01). Knowledge significantly predicted disposal behaviour (B = .510, p = .002), while e-waste information also had a significant positive effect (B = .739, p < .001). The model explained 44.65% of the variance in disposal behaviour. However, the interaction between knowledge and information was not significant (B = −.074, p = .169). Thus, information independently predicts disposal behaviour but does not moderate the knowledge–behaviour relationship.