Consumer Knowledge, Perceptions, and Practices of Electronic Waste Management in Yenagoa City, Bayelsa State

Abstract

The study investigated the knowledge, perceptions, and practices related to electronic waste (e-waste) in Yenagoa City, Bayelsa State. Although existing research has addressed waste management in Nigeria, there is a paucity of empirical studies on e-waste management. The study utilised the Reasoned Action Theory as its theoretical framework and employed a cross-sectional survey design. A sample of 381 respondents was determined using Cochran's (1977) formula. A multistage sampling technique was employed, and a structured questionnaire was systematically administered to the participants. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the Chi-Square test at a significance level of P<0.05. The average age of respondents was 33.73±7.10 years. Most respondents had moderate knowledge (86.9%) regarding the components of e-waste. Additionally, a majority held a positive perception (60.6%) towards e-waste management. Statistically significant relationships were found between perceptions of e-waste management and variables such as sex (χ²=128.69), education (χ²=63.463), ethnic group (χ²=120.585), marital status (χ²=31.759), occupation (χ²=165.947), and estimated monthly income (χ²=59.290). While the majority disposed of their e-waste by selling it (66.1%), giving it to collectors (54.1%), or storing it (73.8%), some respondents reported dumping it in rivers (52.8%), reworking and reusing it (59.6%), landfilling it (53.0%), or taking it to designated dump sites. The socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents influenced their knowledge, perceptions, and practices concerning e-waste management. There is a need to raise awareness and educate residents on standard e-waste management practices.