A Cross-Sectional Study on Perceptions and Practices of the Management of E-Waste Among the Scrap Dealers of Delhi
Abstract
Introduction: In the past decade, rapid technological advancements have flooded the Indian market with affordable electronic devices, especially appealing to young consumers. Consequently, this surge in gadget consumption has heightened electronic waste production, posing significant environmental and health risks.
Objectives:
1. To assess the level of awareness regarding the impact of e-waste
among scrap dealers in urban slums in Delhi
2. To study the disposal practices of e-waste among scrap dealers in
urban slums in Delhi
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the urban slums of Delhi among the scrap dealers working in the slums of Central Delhi and Gokalpuri from April to October 2023. The sample size was calculated to be 280. However, due to time and resource constraints, a sample size of 138 was taken. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 25.
Results: The study included 138 participants, mostly males aged 20 to 39 years in the scrap dealer demographic (62.3%). A majority had only completed primary school (69.6%). 85.5% sold e-waste to other dealers, while 11.6% disposed of it alongside general waste. Notably, 73.9% were unfamiliar with “e-waste” or “e-waste handling”. The findings revealed that higher education correlated with better e-waste awareness (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Most of the scrap dealers did not have basic knowledge regarding e-waste, its proper management and related hazards. There is a need for those in authority to pay special attention to the sensitisation of scrap dealers regarding the disposal of e-waste practices, ill effects of e-waste, segregation at collection sites, legislation, and laws on e-waste.
How to cite this article:
Singh M M, Borle A L, Gupta T, Bhattacharya C
P. A Cross-Sectional Study on Perceptions and
Practices of the Management of E-Waste Among
the Scrap Dealers of Delhi. J Adv Res Med 2023;
10(1): 1-8.
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Copyright (c) 2023 M Meghachandra Singh, Amod L Borle, Titikshaa Gupta, Chinmoy P Bhattacharya
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