IZAN JAAFAR, ZUHA ROSUFILA ABU HASAN, SITI AISYAH SAAT, YUSLIANA YUSOF AND RAHAYA MD. JAMIN
Abstract
E-waste problem is a global concern because of the nature of its production and disposal in a globalized world. Public and private institutions face challenges in developing policies to manage the purchase, use, and disposal of electricals and electronics equipments and devices. Environmental considerations play an increasing role in addition to traditional factors of cost, performance and security. In this study, a detailed assessment coupled with benchmarking surveys and questionnaires of end-of-life electronic & electronic management practices at 3 educational institutions in Kuala Terengganu were conducted. As each employee and students represents a household at municipal level, study on determining and assessing the knowledge of E-Waste is of beneficial as it can serve a platform to provide knowledge on the best E-Waste management practice. The objective of this study were to identify the management of E-waste in Kuala Terengganu institutions and to determine the disposal of E-waste especially cell phones, printers, computers, laptops and batteries. In addition, these study also aimed to promote awareness on the E-waste management. The results showed that low awareness is still the norm. The analysis of current disposition practices was used as an input to discuss institutional plans to manage electronics waste. It is evident that there was no integrated waste management, less efficient and effective strategy in waste management to adhere health risks and degradation towards the environment.