Assessment of the Awareness Level of E-waste and Factors That Influence Informal Recycling: A Case Study of E-waste Pickers in Local Municipality—Gauteng Province

Abstract

Electronic waste (e-waste) is an example of 21st challenges facing humanity. The problem of e-waste is a growing volume at unprecedented pace and toxicity of components when managed in a manner not friendly to the environment. Improper management of e-waste includes informal recycling prevalent in developing countries due to low levels of economic development, absence of regulation to mention the least. Objective: To create awareness about informal recycling negative impact on the environment and suggest solution. Methods: In this qualitative study design data was gathered through semistructured interviews. The purposive sampling was used to identify the participants. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyse the data. The data analysis strategy was assisted with ATLAS.ti software for qualitative data analysis. Findings: Poverty, lack of formal education and unemployment are some of the factors that encourages informal recycling. Most of the workers do not have protective equipment. Discussion: E-waste pickers have limited awareness of detrimental effects of informal recycling on the environment and health. Most [e-waste pickers] find themselves in this labour intensive and hazardous working environment due to low levels of economic development. Conclusion: E-waste is one of the 21st century challenges facing mankind. Informal recycling is not friendly to the environment and is harmful to health. People must be made aware about the dangers of improper management of e-waste like informal recycling to the environment and health. Awareness of detrimental effects of e-waste on the environment and health could be achieved through education.