Electronic waste (e-waste) management model / Rey Julius Cortez Fortuna

Dissertation

College of Liberal Arts (CLA) Doctor of Management Science (DMS) Technological University of the Philippines 2022

"Electronic waste or e-waste has been characterized as an emerging global problem. Its accumulation, already confirmed, is a great threat to the environment, in respect to its composition. That is why there is an urgent need to mitigate the same. Collection and recycling are key aspects to address the problem. Hence, an investigation of its occurrence and accumulation must needs be done.
A number of factors have been identified for this research.
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, using a survey questionnaire as instrument.
It appears that among fifty five (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.
There were no other independent variables-including the control variables (socio-demographic profile of respondents)--that appeared statistically significant. For the qualitative analysis, eight (8) respondents were interviewed to extract deeper pieces of information. Themes were analyzed, categorized, and transformed into a qualitative model. The Intersecting model was derived. It is comprised of actions from the Local Government Unit (LGU) and the manufacturers (e.g., telecoms) of electronic gadgets.
It is perceived by the respondents that programs from these concerned parties are imperative, so that they will be aware of what to do with their obsolete or dysfunctional electronic gadgets.
Combining the quantitative and qualitative findings, the E-Waste Management Model was derived. It is a management model that primarily aims to lowering or minimizing the accumulation of electronic wastes.
It serves to be the basis of programs/policies of the LGUs and manufacturers (telecoms). The programs need to be customized to collect all the stored, unusable smartphones and other electronic products that are accumulated by households.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.Author's abstract."