Assessing the relationship of knowledge and attitudes on e-waste recycling practices among students of higher learning institutions
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol10iss1pp353-372Abstract
Background and Purpose: In Malaysia, there is a significant lack of awareness and understanding about recycling electronic waste (e-waste) among the general population, including students. The absence of consciousness regarding the appropriate handling of e-waste contributes to its inappropriate disposal, resulting in the deposition of numerous electronic gadgets in landfills. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices on e-waste recycling among students in higher institutions in Muadzam Shah, Pahang, Malaysia.
Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted via an online questionnaire, and data were analysed using SPSS version 29. The study involved 213 higher education students from Muadzam Shah, Pahang, Malaysia with the sample size validated by G*Power analysis. The questionnaire, based on the Knowledge, Attitude, Practice Variables, was measured using a 5-point Likert scale.
Findings: Descriptive statistics reveal that students exhibit high levels of knowledge, attitude and practice towards e-waste recycling with the mean value more than 3.5. Correlation analysis shows a significant positive relationship between knowledge and practice and between attitude and practice. Regression analysis confirms that attitude significantly predicts recycling practices, while knowledge does not. These findings highlight the importance of fostering positive attitudes towards e-waste within educational programmes and activities that seek to improve recycling endeavours among students.
Contributions: The necessity for conscientious e-waste management strategies is crucial to alleviate inadequate disposal methods that are detrimental to the environmental and health consequences. By delving into this issue, this study aims to contribute valuable insights to inform policies and strategies that enhance e-waste recycling efforts among higher learning institution students.
Keywords: Attitudes, e-waste, higher institution, knowledge, practices, KAP theory, sustainability.
References
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Chibunna, J. B., Siwar, C., Begum, R. A., & Mohamed, A. F. (2012). The challenges of e-waste management among institutions: A case study of UKM. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 59(1), 644-649.
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Faul, F., Erdfelder, E., & Lang, A. G. (2007). G*Power 3: A flexible statistical power analysis program for the social, behavioral, and biomedical sciences. Behavior Research Methods, 39(1), 175–191.
Forti, V., Baldé, C. P., Kuehr, R., & Bel, G. (2020). The global e-waste monitor 2020: Quantities, flows, and the circular economy potential. United Nations Institute for Training and Research.
Gkargkavouzi, A., Halkos, G., & Matsiori, S. (2019). Environmental behavior in a private-sphere context: Integrating theories of planned behavior and value belief norm, self-identity and habit. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 148(1), 145-156.
Green, L. W., & Kreuter, M. W. (1991). Health promotion planning: An educational and environmental approach. Deepblue. http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/30012/1/0000380.pdf
Ghulam, S. T., & Abushammala, H. (2023). Challenges and opportunities in the management of electronic waste and its impact on human health and environment. Sustainability, 15(3), 1-22.
Hair, J. F., Black, W. C., Babin, B. J., & Anderson, R. E. (2010). Multivariate data analysis: A global perspective. Pearson Education International.
Hashim, R., Salleh, N. A., Ibrahim. J. A., Mohd Zahari, F., & Cooper, S. (2024). E-waste management practices through the eyes of responsible departments at Malaysian public universities. Journal of Advanced Research in Applied Sciences and Engineering Technology, 52(1), 309–319.
Ismail, H., & Hanafiah, M. M. (2019). Discovering opportunities to meet the challenges of an effective waste electrical and electronic equipment recycling system in Malaysia. Journal of Cleaner Production, 238(1), 117927.
Jain, M., Kumar, D. S., Chaudhary, J., Kumar, S., Sharma, S., & Verma, A. S. (2023). Review on E-waste management and its impact on the environment and society. Waste Management Bulletin, 1(3), 34–44.
Jobit, E. J., & Fawehinmi, O. (2024). Investigating the predictors of intention to participate in e-waste recycling among university students: A case of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu. Universiti Malaysia Terengganu Journal of Undergraduate Research, 6(2), 12–28.
Kalana, J. A. (2010). Electrical and electronic waste management practice by households in Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia. International Journal of Environmental Sciences, 1(2), 132-144.
Kautish, P., & Sharma, R. (2019). Value orientation, green attitude and green behavioral intentions: An empirical investigation among young consumers. Young Consumers, 20(4), 338-358.
Kemp, S., (2022). Digital 2022: Global overview report. Data Reporter. https://datareportal.com/reports/digital-2022-global-overview-report
Kumar, A. (2019). Exploring young adults’ e-waste recycling behaviour using an extended theory of planned behaviour model: A cross-cultural study. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 141(1), 378–389.
Luo, Y. F., Chen, L., Yang, S. C., & Hong, S. (2022). Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) toward COVID-19 pandemic among the public in Taiwan: A cross-sectional study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(5), 2784.
Memon, M., Ting, H., Hwa, C., Ramayah, T., Chuah, F., & Cham, T., (2020). Sample size for survey research: Review and recommendations. Journal of Applied Structural Equation Modeling, 4(2), i-xx.
Mahat, H., Hashim, M., Nayan, N., Saleh, Y., & Norkhaidi, S. B. (2019). E-waste disposal awareness among the Malaysian community. Knowledge Management & E-Learning: An International Journal, 11(3), 393-408.
Mohamad, M., Omar, A. J., & Mohamad, A. (2021). Awareness of e-waste among youth in Malaysia. Proceedings of Malaysian Technical Universities Conference on Engineering and Technology, 1(1), 431-342.
Mohamad Zuhdi, M. A., Rabun, M. N., Hamdan, H. I., & Ridzuan, M. R. (2023). No time to dispose? A study on the correlations and its contributing factors affecting university students’ intention to practise e-waste. Voice of Academia, 19(1), 240-261.
Needhidasan, S., Samuel, M., & Chidambaram, R. (2014). Electronic waste - An emerging threat to the environment of urban India. Journal of Environmental Health Science & Engineering, 12(1), 1-9.
Nguyen, T. T. H., Hung, R.-J., Lee, C.-H., & Thi Thu Nguyen, H. (2018). Determinants of residents’ e-waste recycling behavioral intention: A case study from Vietnam. Sustainability, 11(1), 1-24.
Nurul Hidayana, M. N., Nur Alia F. S., & Alia Syafiqah. K. A. (2023). To recycle or not to recycle? factors affecting Malaysian residents’ intention for recycling e-waste. Malaysian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 8(2), e002102.
O’Brien, R. M. (2007). A caution regarding rules of thumb for variance inflation factors. Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, 41(5), 673-690.
Puckett, J., Byster, L., & Westervelt, S. (2002). Exporting harm. The high-tech trashing of Asia. The Basel Action Network. http://www.ban.org/E-waste/technotrashfinalcomp.pdf.
Qiquan, Z. (2021). The KAP theory. In Z. Qiquan (Ed.), The logic of China's new school reforms (pp. 38–50). Brill.
Rautela, R., Arya, S., Vishwakarma, S., Lee, J., Kim, K., & Kumar, S. (2021). E-waste management and its effects on the environment and human health. Science of the Total Environment, 773(1), 145623.
Shad, K. M., Tan, Y. L., & Karim, M. E. (2020). Sustainable e-waste management in Malaysia: Lessons from selected countries. IIUM Law Journal, 28(2), 415–447.
Shaharudin, M. R., Said, R., Hotrawaisaya, C., Nik Abdul Rashid, N. R., & Azman Perwira, N. F. S. (2020). Linking determinants of the youth’s intentions to dispose of portable e-waste with the proper disposal behavior in Malaysia. The Social Science Journal, 60(4), 680-694.
Tang, Y., Wang, X., & Lu, P. (2014). Chinese consumer attitude and purchase intent towards green products. Asia-Pacific Journal of Business Administration, 6(2), 84-96.
Tanskanen, P. (2013). Management and recycling of electronic waste. Acta Materialia, 61(3), 1001–1011.
Tengku Hamzah, T. A. A., Yahya, A. S. M., & Shafie, A. (2020). Knowledge, attitude, and practices on e-waste recycling among public in Port Dickson. Pertanika Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 28(4), 2731-2748.
Tukiman, N. F. I., Abu Seman, N. A., & Mustaffa, S. A. (2021). A study of e-waste disposal management awareness among local community based on KAP model. Research in Management of Technology and Business, 2(2), 881–892.
Vijayan, R. V., Krishnan, M. M., Parayitam, S., Anantharaman Duraisami, S. P., & Saravanaselvan, N. R. (2023). Exploring e-waste recycling behaviour intention among the households: Evidence from India. Cleaner Materials, 7(1), 1-12.
Vishwakarma, S., Kumar, V., Arya, S., Tembhare, M., Dutta, D., & Kumar, S. (2022). E-waste in information and communication technology sector: Existing scenario, management schemes and initiatives. Environmental Technology & Innovation, 27(1), 1-17.
Wang, Z., Guo, D., & Wang, X. (2016). Determinants of residents’ e-waste recycling behaviour intentions: Evidence from China. Journal of Cleaner Production, 137(1), 850–860.
Wang, B., Ren, C., Dong, X., Zhang, B., & Wang, Z. (2019). Determinants shaping willingness towards on-line recycling behaviour: An empirical study of household e-waste recycling in China. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 143(1), 218–225.
Woo, E., & Kim, Y. G. (2019). Consumer attitudes and buying behavior for green food products: From the aspect of Green Perceived Value (GPV). British Food Journal, 121(2), 320-332.
Yong, Y. S., Lim, Y. A., & Ilankoon, I. M. S. K. (2019). An analysis of electronic waste management strategies and recycling operations in Malaysia: Challenges and future prospects. Journal of Cleaner Production, 224(1), 151-166.
Azlan, R. M. D., Razak, S. S. A., & Indiran, L. A. (2021). Knowledge, attitude and practices on e-waste management among business students in a public university. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 11(8), 1472–1478.
Byrne, B. M. (2010). Structural equation modeling with AMOS: Basic concepts, applications and programming (2nd eds.). Routledge Taylor & Francis Group.
Chen, L., & Wang, S. (2020). Knowledge and practices of e-waste recycling among college students. Journal of Environmental Education, 41(3), 87-98.
Chibunna, J. B., Siwar, C., Begum, R. A., & Mohamed, A. F. (2012). The challenges of e-waste management among institutions: A case study of UKM. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 59(1), 644-649.
Department of Environment. (2020). E-waste Management in Malaysia. E-Waste. https://ewaste.doe.gov.my/index.php/what-is-e-waste/
Dusim, H. H. (2024, February 9). Balancing Malaysia’s digital growth and e-waste management. Bernama. https://www.bernama.com/en/thoughts/news.php?id=2332110#:~:text=The%20E%2DWaste%20Challenge,to%2082%20Petronas%20Twin%20Towers
Eidham, M. N. S., Aswad, A. M. A., & Adilla, A. R. F. (2022). The study of e-waste management awareness among students of UiTM Seremban 3. Borneo AKademika, 6(1), 67–75.
Faul, F., Erdfelder, E., & Lang, A. G. (2007). G*Power 3: A flexible statistical power analysis program for the social, behavioral, and biomedical sciences. Behavior Research Methods, 39(1), 175–191.
Forti, V., Baldé, C. P., Kuehr, R., & Bel, G. (2020). The global e-waste monitor 2020: Quantities, flows, and the circular economy potential. United Nations Institute for Training and Research.
Gkargkavouzi, A., Halkos, G., & Matsiori, S. (2019). Environmental behavior in a private-sphere context: Integrating theories of planned behavior and value belief norm, self-identity and habit. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 148(1), 145-156.
Green, L. W., & Kreuter, M. W. (1991). Health promotion planning: An educational and environmental approach. Deepblue. http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/30012/1/0000380.pdf
Ghulam, S. T., & Abushammala, H. (2023). Challenges and opportunities in the management of electronic waste and its impact on human health and environment. Sustainability, 15(3), 1-22.
Hair, J. F., Black, W. C., Babin, B. J., & Anderson, R. E. (2010). Multivariate data analysis: A global perspective. Pearson Education International.
Hashim, R., Salleh, N. A., Ibrahim. J. A., Mohd Zahari, F., & Cooper, S. (2024). E-waste management practices through the eyes of responsible departments at Malaysian public universities. Journal of Advanced Research in Applied Sciences and Engineering Technology, 52(1), 309–319.
Ismail, H., & Hanafiah, M. M. (2019). Discovering opportunities to meet the challenges of an effective waste electrical and electronic equipment recycling system in Malaysia. Journal of Cleaner Production, 238(1), 117927.
Jain, M., Kumar, D. S., Chaudhary, J., Kumar, S., Sharma, S., & Verma, A. S. (2023). Review on E-waste management and its impact on the environment and society. Waste Management Bulletin, 1(3), 34–44.
Jobit, E. J., & Fawehinmi, O. (2024). Investigating the predictors of intention to participate in e-waste recycling among university students: A case of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu. Universiti Malaysia Terengganu Journal of Undergraduate Research, 6(2), 12–28.
Kalana, J. A. (2010). Electrical and electronic waste management practice by households in Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia. International Journal of Environmental Sciences, 1(2), 132-144.
Kautish, P., & Sharma, R. (2019). Value orientation, green attitude and green behavioral intentions: An empirical investigation among young consumers. Young Consumers, 20(4), 338-358.
Kemp, S., (2022). Digital 2022: Global overview report. Data Reporter. https://datareportal.com/reports/digital-2022-global-overview-report
Kumar, A. (2019). Exploring young adults’ e-waste recycling behaviour using an extended theory of planned behaviour model: A cross-cultural study. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 141(1), 378–389.
Luo, Y. F., Chen, L., Yang, S. C., & Hong, S. (2022). Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) toward COVID-19 pandemic among the public in Taiwan: A cross-sectional study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(5), 2784.
Memon, M., Ting, H., Hwa, C., Ramayah, T., Chuah, F., & Cham, T., (2020). Sample size for survey research: Review and recommendations. Journal of Applied Structural Equation Modeling, 4(2), i-xx.
Mahat, H., Hashim, M., Nayan, N., Saleh, Y., & Norkhaidi, S. B. (2019). E-waste disposal awareness among the Malaysian community. Knowledge Management & E-Learning: An International Journal, 11(3), 393-408.
Mohamad, M., Omar, A. J., & Mohamad, A. (2021). Awareness of e-waste among youth in Malaysia. Proceedings of Malaysian Technical Universities Conference on Engineering and Technology, 1(1), 431-342.
Mohamad Zuhdi, M. A., Rabun, M. N., Hamdan, H. I., & Ridzuan, M. R. (2023). No time to dispose? A study on the correlations and its contributing factors affecting university students’ intention to practise e-waste. Voice of Academia, 19(1), 240-261.
Needhidasan, S., Samuel, M., & Chidambaram, R. (2014). Electronic waste - An emerging threat to the environment of urban India. Journal of Environmental Health Science & Engineering, 12(1), 1-9.
Nguyen, T. T. H., Hung, R.-J., Lee, C.-H., & Thi Thu Nguyen, H. (2018). Determinants of residents’ e-waste recycling behavioral intention: A case study from Vietnam. Sustainability, 11(1), 1-24.
Nurul Hidayana, M. N., Nur Alia F. S., & Alia Syafiqah. K. A. (2023). To recycle or not to recycle? factors affecting Malaysian residents’ intention for recycling e-waste. Malaysian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 8(2), e002102.
O’Brien, R. M. (2007). A caution regarding rules of thumb for variance inflation factors. Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, 41(5), 673-690.
Puckett, J., Byster, L., & Westervelt, S. (2002). Exporting harm. The high-tech trashing of Asia. The Basel Action Network. http://www.ban.org/E-waste/technotrashfinalcomp.pdf.
Qiquan, Z. (2021). The KAP theory. In Z. Qiquan (Ed.), The logic of China's new school reforms (pp. 38–50). Brill.
Rautela, R., Arya, S., Vishwakarma, S., Lee, J., Kim, K., & Kumar, S. (2021). E-waste management and its effects on the environment and human health. Science of the Total Environment, 773(1), 145623.
Shad, K. M., Tan, Y. L., & Karim, M. E. (2020). Sustainable e-waste management in Malaysia: Lessons from selected countries. IIUM Law Journal, 28(2), 415–447.
Shaharudin, M. R., Said, R., Hotrawaisaya, C., Nik Abdul Rashid, N. R., & Azman Perwira, N. F. S. (2020). Linking determinants of the youth’s intentions to dispose of portable e-waste with the proper disposal behavior in Malaysia. The Social Science Journal, 60(4), 680-694.
Tang, Y., Wang, X., & Lu, P. (2014). Chinese consumer attitude and purchase intent towards green products. Asia-Pacific Journal of Business Administration, 6(2), 84-96.
Tanskanen, P. (2013). Management and recycling of electronic waste. Acta Materialia, 61(3), 1001–1011.
Tengku Hamzah, T. A. A., Yahya, A. S. M., & Shafie, A. (2020). Knowledge, attitude, and practices on e-waste recycling among public in Port Dickson. Pertanika Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 28(4), 2731-2748.
Tukiman, N. F. I., Abu Seman, N. A., & Mustaffa, S. A. (2021). A study of e-waste disposal management awareness among local community based on KAP model. Research in Management of Technology and Business, 2(2), 881–892.
Vijayan, R. V., Krishnan, M. M., Parayitam, S., Anantharaman Duraisami, S. P., & Saravanaselvan, N. R. (2023). Exploring e-waste recycling behaviour intention among the households: Evidence from India. Cleaner Materials, 7(1), 1-12.
Vishwakarma, S., Kumar, V., Arya, S., Tembhare, M., Dutta, D., & Kumar, S. (2022). E-waste in information and communication technology sector: Existing scenario, management schemes and initiatives. Environmental Technology & Innovation, 27(1), 1-17.
Wang, Z., Guo, D., & Wang, X. (2016). Determinants of residents’ e-waste recycling behaviour intentions: Evidence from China. Journal of Cleaner Production, 137(1), 850–860.
Wang, B., Ren, C., Dong, X., Zhang, B., & Wang, Z. (2019). Determinants shaping willingness towards on-line recycling behaviour: An empirical study of household e-waste recycling in China. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 143(1), 218–225.
Woo, E., & Kim, Y. G. (2019). Consumer attitudes and buying behavior for green food products: From the aspect of Green Perceived Value (GPV). British Food Journal, 121(2), 320-332.
Yong, Y. S., Lim, Y. A., & Ilankoon, I. M. S. K. (2019). An analysis of electronic waste management strategies and recycling operations in Malaysia: Challenges and future prospects. Journal of Cleaner Production, 224(1), 151-166.
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2025-02-28
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Assessing the relationship of knowledge and attitudes on e-waste recycling practices among students of higher learning institutions. (2025). Journal of Nusantara Studies (JONUS), 10(1), 353-372. https://doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol10iss1pp353-372
