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Understanding Consumer E-Waste Recycling Behavior: Introducing a New Economic Incentive to Increase the Collection Rates

Author

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  • Tetiana Shevchenko

    (Scientific Department, Sumy National Agrarian University, 40021 Sumy, Ukraine)

  • Kirsi Laitala

    (Consumption Research Norway (SIFO), Oslo Metropolitan University, 0130 Oslo, Norway)

  • Yuriy Danko

    (Scientific Department, Sumy National Agrarian University, 40021 Sumy, Ukraine)

Abstract

Consumer electronics are made of a wide range of materials, including precious metals and critical minerals with limited global reserves. Ensuring the recycling of these materials is essential for future use, especially since many renewable energy solutions are based on them. In addition, improper end-of-life treatments of these products cause harm to the environment and human health. This study explores the incentives that have been used to increase consumer collection rates for end-of-life electrical and electronic equipment (EoL EEE). Based on extensive global literature reviews, we propose an alternative to existing consumer incentives. The research suggests that implementing an economic incentive based on the electronic bonus card system (EBCS) has several benefits compared to existing incentives. It compensates the consumers for the transaction costs of proper collection and satisfies the consumer perception of EoL EEE as having a residual value. However, application of the EBCS motivation technology will require the cooperation of various stakeholders, including electronics producers and national and international authorities.

Suggested Citation

  • Tetiana Shevchenko & Kirsi Laitala & Yuriy Danko, 2019. "Understanding Consumer E-Waste Recycling Behavior: Introducing a New Economic Incentive to Increase the Collection Rates," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(9), pages 1-20, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:9:p:2656-:d:229588
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Felipe Seabra D’Almeida & Roberto Bentes de Carvalho & Felipe Sombra dos Santos & Rodrigo Fernandes Magalhães de Souza, 2021. "On the Hibernating Electronic Waste in Rio de Janeiro Higher Education Community: An Assessment of Population Behavior Analysis and Economic Potential," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-16, August.
    3. Piotr Nowakowski & Sandra Kuśnierz & Julia Płoszaj & Patrycja Sosna, 2021. "Collecting Small-Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment in Poland—How Can Containers Help in Disposal of E-Waste by Individuals?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(22), pages 1-18, November.
    4. Camelia Delcea & Liliana Crăciun & Corina Ioanăș & Gabriella Ferruzzi & Liviu-Adrian Cotfas, 2020. "Determinants of Individuals’ E-Waste Recycling Decision: A Case Study from Romania," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(7), pages 1-28, April.
    5. Elzbieta Szczygiel, 2023. "Circular Behaviours of Polish Consumers in Relation to Electrical and Electronic Products," The AMFITEATRU ECONOMIC journal, Academy of Economic Studies - Bucharest, Romania, vol. 25(62), pages 213-213, February.
    6. Filippo Corsini & Natalia Marzia Gusmerotti & Marco Frey, 2020. "Consumer’s Circular Behaviors in Relation to the Purchase, Extension of Life, and End of Life Management of Electrical and Electronic Products: A Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(24), pages 1-16, December.
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    8. Kangyang Josiah Miner & Isaac Tebogo Rampedi & Ayodeji Peter Ifegbesan & Fannie Machete, 2020. "Survey on Household Awareness and Willingness to Participate in E-Waste Management in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-16, February.
    9. Mohammed Laeequddin & Waheed Kareem Abdul & Vinita Sahay & Aviral Kumar Tiwari, 2022. "Factors That Influence the Safe Disposal Behavior of E-Waste by Electronics Consumers," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-16, April.
    10. Deepak Singhal & Sarat Kumar Jena & Satyabrata Aich & Sushanta Tripathy & Hee-Cheol Kim, 2021. "Remanufacturing for Circular Economy: Understanding the Impact of Manufacturer’s Incentive under Price Competition," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(21), pages 1-19, October.
    11. Iuliana Raluca Gheorghe & Victor Lorin Purcarea & Consuela Madalina Gheorghe, 2023. "Antecedents of Consumer Intentions towards E-waste Recycling. A Perspective on the Toy Industry from Romania," The AMFITEATRU ECONOMIC journal, Academy of Economic Studies - Bucharest, Romania, vol. 25(62), pages 163-163, February.
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