Archives of Current Research International

The expansion of the IT and communication industries has significantly increased the global utilization of electronic devices. Accelerated upgrades and the introduction of new electronic devices compel consumers to buy the newest models while discarding outdated electronics, contributing to the growing generation of electronic waste (e-waste) in the solid waste stream. This includes dangerous materials, resulting in a risk of decline in environmental quality and public health. To reduce environmental impacts, initiatives for e-waste management and promoting awareness of its safe disposal, as well as maximizing reuse, recovery, and recycling of valuable materials, are being enacted. A study has been carried out to evaluate consumer perceptions about e-waste management and its disposal. Random sampling method has been used for the purpose of gathering responses from 120 consumers in Hyderabad. The findings indicated that with the rise in general information, respondents tend to purchase or replace more electronic items, which leads to more E-waste generation. Knowledge of safe e-waste disposal channels and use of formal options was found low with lower variance, indicating consistently poor e-waste disposal practices. An inference was drawn from the results, which showed that the socio-demographic profile characteristics were in positive association with the perception level of the respondents, p < 0.05.  Further, data suggest that there is an immediate need to develop the sense of awareness about the proper disposal of discarded e-waste among consumers.