Abstract:
This study investigates the awareness, practices, and perceptions regarding electronic
waste (e-waste) management among households in Galle District, Sri Lanka. E-waste
poses significant environmental and health risks due to its toxic components and
improper disposal methods. The research aims to fulfill four primary objectives: first,
to assess the extent of e-waste awareness among households, focusing on
understanding its environmental impacts and the importance of responsible disposal
practices. Second, is to analyze current e-waste disposal behaviors among households,
identifuing prevalent methods and their implications for environmental sustainability.
Third, to identiff potential areas for enhancing e-waste management practices within
Galle District, including opportunities for recycling, reuse, or improved waste
management strategies. Finally, based on findings, the study provides
recommendations and insights for local authorities, organizations, and communities to
enhance e-waste awareness and management practices. Using a mixed-methods
approach, the research gathered quantitative data through surveys and qualitative
insights through interviews with household representatives. Descriptive analysis
revealed varied levels of e-waste awareness among participants, with a notable lack of
knowledge concerning the environmental impacts of improper disposal. Findings
from regression and correlation analyses highlighted significant factors influencing ewaste
management behaviors, including awareness levels, socio-eccnomic status, and
access to disposal facilities. Correlation analysis further underscored the relationships
between these factors and actual disposal practices, revealing gaps between awareness
and action. The study's conclusions emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive ewaste
education programs targeting households in Galle District. Recommendations
include the establishment of community-based collection centers, educationai
campaigns on e-waste hazards, and partnerships between local authorities and
recycling industries to promote sustainable practices. Limitations include the study's
focus on a specific geographical area and potential biases in self-reported data. Future
research could expand to include broader geographical areas and longitudinal studies
to assess the effectiveness of intervention strategies over time.
Keywords: Electronic Waste, E-Waste Management, Household Practices,
Environmental Awareness, Sri Lanka
