Resumo

Electronic waste has emerged as a significant global environmental issue. Economically, recycling e-waste can yield valuable materials. However, about 97% of e-waste in Latin America is not appropriately recycled (Wagner et al., 2022). Addressing this issue requires understanding human behavior and decision-making in recycling. This study utilizes the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) to explore the determinants of e-waste recycling behavior.

The study seeks to identify factors influencing e-waste recycling behavior. The primary objective is to analyze the antecedents of e-waste recycling using he Theory of Planned Behavior and Protection Motivation Theory.

The TPB, proposed by Ajzen (1991), explains behavior through attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. PMT, developed by Rogers (1975), emphasizes motivational factors and risk perception in influencing behavior. This study integrates these theories to provide a comprehensive understanding of e-waste recycling behavior.

The research is explanatory, descriptive, and quantitative. A questionnaire was administered to 305 participants in Maceió, Brazil. The data collection utilized validated scales from previous studies and analyzed using statistical methods to assess the influence of various constructs on recycling behavior. This study used Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to analyze

The study found that attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and self-efficacy significantly influence the intention to recycle e-waste. However, perceived vulnerability and severity did not show a significant impact. Attitude had the most substantial effect, followed by subjective norms and perceived behavioral control. Self-efficacy also emerged as a crucial determinant, suggesting that confidence in one's ability to recycle can significantly influence behavior.

The research highlights the importance of perceived behavioral control and self-efficacy in predicting recycling behavior. It suggests that clear information on recycling processes can enhance the perception of control and promote recycling. The confirmation of key TPB and PMT constructs reinforces their applicability in understanding e-waste recycling behavior.

Ajzen, I. (1991). The theory of planned behavior. Organizational behavior and human decision processes, 50(2), 179-211. Rogers, R. W. (1975). A protection motivation theory of fear appeals and attitude change1. The journal of psychology, 91(1), 93-114. Wagner, M., Balde, C. P., Luda di Cortemiglia, V., Nnorom, I., Kuehr, R., & Iattoni, G. (2022). Regional e-waste monitor for Latin America: results for the 13 countries participating in project UNIDO-GEF 5554.