Journal of Advances in Environmental Health Research

Journal of Advances in Environmental Health Research

Intensity of Citizens’ Perception and Behavior Towards Electronic Waste Management (A Case Study, Qom city)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Mehdi Nemati 1, 2
Ahmad Nohegar 1
Ali Daryabeigi Zand 1
1 Department of Environmental Planning, Management and Education, University of Environment, Tehran University, Tehran, Iran
2 Waste Management Organization, Qom, Iran
10.34172/jaehr.1423
Abstract
Background: The growing use of electrical and electronic equipment in recent decades has generated a noticeable volume of electronic waste (e-waste), posing a major global environmental challenge. Therefore, the current study investigated household electronic waste management behaviors among citizens of Qom province, Iran.
Methods: The data for this cross-sectional analytical study were collected via a validated questionnaire from 384 citizens visiting recycling centers in Qom. Subsequent analysis was performed using Excel and SPSS software.
Results: The was found that only 37% of the respondents perceived the severe environmental consequences of e-waste. In contrast, the majority (93%) were aware of the direct economic benefits of recycling, while 41% recognized the indirect economic benefits. Regarding management behaviors, repair and reuse were the most common strategies (reported by 45% to 94% of the respondents), whereas delivering waste to official recycling centers was the least common (less than 5%)
Conclusion: A lack of awareness regarding the environmental consequences of e-waste reduces its separation rate. Thus, decision-makers should incorporate the economic incentives that promote the sale and reuse of electronic equipment into e-waste management plans.
Keywords
E-waste
Source separation
Waste management

Subjects

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Journal of Advances in Environmental Health Research
Volume 13, Issue 4
Autumn 2025
Pages 259-264