Electronic gadgets meant for personal usage daily are referred to as consumer electronics. These gadgets are usually made for personal use, entertainment, communication, and productivity. Products that fall under the consumer electronics category include computers, tablets, and smartphones. Technology breakthroughs provide ever-more-powerful, ever-efficient, and ever-more feature-rich consumer electronics. These items are now essential components of contemporary living, improving consumer convenience, entertainment, and productivity across the globe. The purpose of this qualitative study is to compare the level of electronic waste awareness between two higher education institutions (HEIs). Data was collected through the interviews and analysed using content analysis. Findings suggest a limited level of awareness in both cases. The respondents from both cases were able to identify what constitutes electronic waste. However, it was noted that there is limited knowledge on how e-waste impacts the biosphere when managed in ways unfriendly to the environment. The study suggests more education. For example, an e-waste curriculum should be introduced for teaching and learning in HEIs. As a starting point, institution-wide campaigns and specially marked rubbish bins should be introduced in HEIs.

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Determining the Awareness Level About Consumer Electronics Waste – a Comparative Study

  • Ramadile Moletsane,
  • Janet Liebenberg,
  • Imelda Smit

摘要

Electronic gadgets meant for personal usage daily are referred to as consumer electronics. These gadgets are usually made for personal use, entertainment, communication, and productivity. Products that fall under the consumer electronics category include computers, tablets, and smartphones. Technology breakthroughs provide ever-more-powerful, ever-efficient, and ever-more feature-rich consumer electronics. These items are now essential components of contemporary living, improving consumer convenience, entertainment, and productivity across the globe. The purpose of this qualitative study is to compare the level of electronic waste awareness between two higher education institutions (HEIs). Data was collected through the interviews and analysed using content analysis. Findings suggest a limited level of awareness in both cases. The respondents from both cases were able to identify what constitutes electronic waste. However, it was noted that there is limited knowledge on how e-waste impacts the biosphere when managed in ways unfriendly to the environment. The study suggests more education. For example, an e-waste curriculum should be introduced for teaching and learning in HEIs. As a starting point, institution-wide campaigns and specially marked rubbish bins should be introduced in HEIs.