Survey And Analysis Of Household Knowledge,Awareness And Disposal Practices On E-waste In Mandalay City,Myanmar

The demand for the newer electronic appliances are increasing due to change in incomes,life style,fashion etc.both in developed and developing countries.Not only developed countries but also developing countries are growing in e-waste production rate.E-waste contains hazardous constituents that may negatively impact the environment and affect human health if not properly managed.The aim of the study was to examine knowledge,awareness,purchasing behavior and disposal practices of the households towards e-waste based on the demographic characteristics in Mandalay city.In this study,the questionnaire was approached a survey among households to understand the households' knowledge,purchasing and disposal practices on electronic waste in Mandalay city,Myanmar.The questionnaire included three parts,demographic information,dichotomous(yes/no)questions and multiple choice questions.The information of demographic characteristics included as gender,age,level of education,occupation,family member and income.The yes/no questions and multiple choice questions consisted of knowledge and awareness of the household respondents.The sample was selected to 140 different households in Mandalay city.The questionnaire was distributed by using online and shared by the link through various forms of social media by using the effectiveness of internet.The collected data was coded for analysis using SPSS software in this research.The results present that 78% of the respondents buy new electronic items while 21% of the respondents purchase both.This will lead to increase electronic equipment demand.The result shows that usage rate in mobile phone is much higher than other electronic appliances.About 41% of the households reused electronic devices after repairing them until they are totally damaged while 34% of the respondents sell them to the small vendors.The result indicates that the service life of mobile phones is during 3 years,which is shorter than the designed service life.Usage rate in mobile phone is very higher than other electronic appliances.This leads to a large quantity of waste mobile phone.About 10% of the respondents possess at least 4 number in mobile phone whereas other electronic equipment like TV,DVD/VCR player,refrigerator,washing machine,computer and air conditioner are not possessed at least four number in their households.This result shows that nearly every family member possesses mobile phone.The findings show that high educational level has significant influence on knowledge about e-waste.Furthermore,this study suggests that the policy is needed to address the informal sector more supportively;the government should create the recycling infrastructure;and education and awareness raising program will be necessary for building up environmental awareness.Education and awareness raising program will be necessary for building up environmental awareness.Municipal committee should play an important role in this program by making workshop and studying pilot project to increase the awareness level of the households.