Strategies to improve the management of end-of-life electrical and electronic equipment: A case study in Brazil

Technological advancements and the growing demand for electronic devices have led to a significant increase in both the production and consumption of these products, consequently generating more waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE or e-waste). Globally, particularly in emerging countries such as Brazil, managing e-waste disposal has become one of the most pressing environmental challenges. Consumers play a pivotal role in this process, as their decisions concerning the purchase, use, and disposal of electronic equipment directly influence the volume and quality of the waste generated. This study aims to develop strategies for enhancing public participation in e-waste management, drawing on interviews conducted with 320 upper-middle-class residents from the Jaqueira neighborhood in Recife (a Brazilian city). The collected data enabled the identification of behavioral beliefs and their respective intensities regarding electronic equipment recycling. The results were categorized into various analyses: respondent characterization, belief analysis, descriptive analysis, and the identification of challenges to consumer integration in e-waste management. Additionally, a SWOT-TOWS analysis was performed to determine management strategies based on the behavior of the respondents. The findings provide a detailed profile of electronic equipment consumers, offering key behavioral insights. These insights can guide the promotion of more responsible and sustainable consumption practices.