Evaluation of public awareness of the environmental and health impacts of e-waste in Bindura

Abstract

Electronic waste (e-waste) is one of the world’s fastest growing waste sources, posing serious environmental and public health problems. This study looked at public understanding of the environmental and health effects of e-waste in Bindura, Zimbabwe. The study employed a mixed-methods research approach that included quantitative surveys, qualitative key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. A total of 80 respondents were selected from residential, institutional, and commercial sectors throughout Bindura utilizing systematic random sampling. SPSS was used to analyze the data, with numeric data being analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square testing, and multiple regression analysis, and qualitative data being analyzed thematically. Small IT and telecommunication equipment such as phones and routers (35.0%) and screens and monitors such as televisions and computers (27.5%) were the major e-waste categories generated in Bindura, followed by small household appliances (20.0%). The results showed that e-waste knowledge among Bindura community members was typically moderate to low, with only 22.5% of the respondents reporting high awareness and a composite awareness score of 1.875 out of 3. The largest source of e-waste was found to be households (40.0%), followed by institutions (25.0%), the mining industry (20.0%), and enterprises (15.0%). A statistically significant difference across sectors was confirmed by chi-square analysis (χ² = 11.2, p < 0.05). While health-risk knowledge was greatest for cancer (65%) and lowest for kidney damage (35%), awareness of environmental consequences was highest for air pollution (60%) and lowest for ecosystem destruction (38%). Only 10% of respondents used official disposal channels; the most common disposal methods were open dumping (45.0%) and indefinite home storage (30.0%). Education (β = +0.62) and ICT access (β = +0.41) are the largest positive predictors of awareness, according to multiple regression analysis. Five main explanatory reasons were discovered through qualitative themes: deficiencies in environmental education, a lack of institutional e-waste disposal infrastructure, the mining sector as an underestimated contributor, insufficient regulatory enforcement, and media-shaped health-risk perceptions. According to the report, awareness efforts alone will not solve Bindura's e-waste problem; instead, integrated changes in infrastructure, governance, environmental education, and policy enforcement are required. The report suggests the introduction of institutional e-waste collection centers, increased implementation of Statutory Instrument 83 of 2020, the development of Extended Producer Responsibility legislation, and the incorporation of e-waste literacy into school curriculum