Investigating the Role of Perceived Convenience and Perceived Privacy Risks on E-Waste Disposal Behavior among Smartphone Users in Pakistan

Abstract

This research study aims to investigate the moderating effect of the perceived privacy risk and the mediating role of perceived convenience on the relationship between perceived awareness and e-waste disposal behavior among smartphone users. Using the theory of planned behavior (TPB), the authors have proposed that perceived awareness, convenience, and privacy risk would impact e-waste disposal behavior. An online questionnaire has been sent to Pakistani millennials using a convenience sampling method. The collected data have been analyzed with the SmartPLS 4 software using partial least squares–structural equations modeling (PLS–SEM) and a moderating effect of perceived privacy risk and a mediating effect of perceived convenience in the relationship between perceived awareness and electronic waste disposal behavior among smartphone users has been found. This study has several practical applications for nonacademics or practitioners, such as the findings could be used to prepare effective e-waste management strategies that encourage responsible disposal behavior among smartphone users in Pakistan. In addition, the results from this study could be used to raise awareness of the environmental importance of e-waste and promote information on safe disposal options that could change consumer behaviors. Smartphone companies could use this study’s insights to develop more user-friendly recycling initiatives and highlight their benefits. In addition, this study’s findings could be used to advise smartphone and app developers to resolve privacy concerns that are connected to data deletion during disposal. Organizations could win trust and encourage users to recycle their old devices correctly. Government officials might find this study’s findings helpful when developing data privacy and e-waste management rules and regulations. The findings could be used by nongovernmental organizations to create regional e-waste collection and recycling centers. In addition, e-waste management could be incorporated into sustainability projects by companies that operate in Pakistan.