Assessing factors affecting students’ E-waste recycling intention among households in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Abstract

Efforts to advance a circular economy and address the pressing issue of electronic waste (E-waste) have highlighted E-waste recycling as a valuable pathway, yielding a variety of valuable and essential materials. This study expands upon the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) by integrating two significant factors — Knowledge and Propaganda — to predict students' intentions to recycle E-waste in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam. Students, pivotal in electronic consumption and waste generation, warrant a thorough examination of their recycling behaviors. Analyzing a sample of 374 HCMC students using SPSS 20.0, this research reveals the strongest impact is Knowledge ( 4 =0.326), followed by Attitude ( 1 =0.223), Subjective norm ( 2 = 0. 217), Perceived behavioral control ( 3 = 0. 196), and Propaganda ( 5 = 0. 082). These findings are socially and practically meaningful, guiding the creation and implementation of policies for recycling E-waste. They underscore the significance of educational and awareness-raising initiatives on E-waste recycling. Moreover, propaganda, encompassing persuasive communication and advocacy, emerges as a potential catalyst in shaping positive attitudes and E-waste recycling intentions among youth. These insights are vital for shaping E-waste policies in HCMC and similar areas facing related issues. As environmental concerns linked to E-waste escalate, this study contributes significantly to promoting sustainable and responsible electronic consumption and disposal practices.