Electronic Waste Management: Electronic Repair Technicians in Vanderbijlpark Central Business District: A Case Study
摘要
Contemporary society relies significantly on information and communication technology (ICT) for every aspect of life, including employment, development, and leisure. However, ICT’s disruptive evolution presents new difficulties. Challenges range from mineral exploitation to inappropriate waste management generated by electronic gadgets. The study aims to determine the level of awareness about electronic waste (e-waste) risks among electronic repair technicians. In this qualitative study, the data were collected and analyzed using interviews and content analysis, respectively. The findings show that most of the participants are aware of the negative effects and environmental risks of e-waste, but none practiced proper disposal procedures. During the period of the study, none of the participants used suitable gear while repairing the electronic equipment. The study suggests that education should be a priority for electronic repairers, and the local municipality should enforce bylaws regarding safe disposal methods of harmful substances.