Abstract

Electronic waste or e-waste has been characterized as an emerging global problem. Collection and recycling are key aspects to address the problem. Principally, it is hypothesized that the type and brand of gadgets, as well as individual profiles of the users are determinants of disposal practices of e-waste.  E-waste is operationally defined as obsolete or dysfunctional electronic gadgets like smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktops.  

Quantitative method of research was used for inferential analysis, while qualitative method was employed to probe deeper into the practices of disposing of one’s pre-loved electronic gadgets. A total of 218 respondents from the municipality of Carmona, Cavite, Philippines, were tapped to provide data and information. It appears that among 55 percent of all respondents, smartphones are the most predominant e-wastes accumulated. Storing or keeping is the most common way of getting rid of obsolete or dysfunctional electronic gadgets. Using logistic regression analysis, it appears that the category of smartphones is significantly related to the disposal practice of storing or keeping. This was further established and confirmed via a mathematical logistic function modeling procedure. For the qualitative analysis, eight (8) respondents were interviewed. Themes were analyzed, categorized, and transformed into a qualitative model.

Combining the quantitative and qualitative findings, the E-Waste Management Model was formed. It is a management model that primarily aims to lowering or minimizing the accumulation of electronic wastes. Lastly, as the model suggests, effectiveness of the programs/policies is evaluated based on antecedently set benchmarks (re, accumulated e-wastes) against actual e-wastes collected.

Keywords: Electronic waste, Inferential analysis, Management model