Abstract:
Electronic waste (e-waste) is a growing global environmental issue driven by
rapid technological change, shorter product lifespans, and rising consumer
demand. In Colombo and other urban areas of Sri Lanka, formal recycling is
limited, with informal practices prevailing despite increasing environmental
awareness. This study examines how economic incentives, convenience, and
environmental awareness influence formal e-waste recycling among urban
households and explores the motivations and barriers affecting participation. This
study used a convergent sequential mixed-methods design combining quantitative
surveys and qualitative interviews. The quantitative phase surveyed 250
households across five municipal councils using Likert-scale items from prior
studies, analysed with descriptive statistics, correlations, and regression models.
The qualitative phase included 25 purposively selected households, analysed
thematically to capture contextual insights. Ethical procedures, including
informed consent, confidentiality, and voluntary participation, were strictly
followed. Results indicate a clear attitude–behaviour gap. Despite high
environmental awareness (M = 4.40), formal recycling participation was very low
(M = 1.42), with most households storing e-waste or selling it to informal
collectors. Convenience was the strongest predictor of formal recycling (r =
0.676, β = 0.694, p < 0.05), while economic incentives and awareness had no
significant effect. Age and education influenced behaviour—older individuals
engaged more in informal practices, whereas higher-educated households showed
greater formal participation; income showed no effect. Qualitative findings
revealed four key themes: “Convenience is King,” highlighting ease of access;
“Awareness and Trust as Catalysts,” showing knowledge alone is insufficient
without system credibility; “Money Helps, but It’s Not the Driver,” indicating
incentives are secondary; and “System Needs Structural Intervention,”
emphasizing infrastructural gaps. Consistent with the Theory of Planned
Behaviour, perceived behavioural control was central to recycling decisions. The
study recommends a hybrid strategy integrating improved infrastructure, targeted
awareness, community engagement, transparency, and modest incentives.
Embedding convenient and trustworthy recycling options into daily urban life can
close the gap between environmental intention and action in e-waste management.
