Publication:

Household e-waste awareness, disposal practices and socioeconomic factors in a semi-urban community of Kerala: a cross-sectional study

Background Electronic waste (e-waste) is a growing environmental and public health concern. This study assessed e-waste awareness, generation patterns, disposal practices, and socioeconomic factors among households in a semi-urban community of Kerala.

Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 105 households in Cheroor ward, Thrissur district, Kerala. Data were collected through structured face-to-face interviews using a pre-tested questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, e-waste generation, disposal practices, challenges, and awareness. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s Chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression were used to examine associations and socioeconomic factors associated with general e-waste awareness.

Results General awareness of e-waste was reported by 84.76% of households, while 78.10% were aware of its negative effects and 74.29% of its health effects. Awareness of e-waste management policies and regulations was lower (31.43%), and 48.57% had received information or education on e-waste management. Selling e-waste to scrap dealers was the most common disposal practice (80.95%), followed by storing e-waste at home (50.48%). Education was significantly associated with receipt of e-waste management information (χ2=8.497, df=2, p=0.014). In adjusted logistic regression, households with monthly incomes of ₹20,000–50,000 had higher odds of general e-waste awareness than those earning below ₹20,000 (OR=3.37, 95% CI: 1.28–9.24, p=0.015).

Conclusions The findings indicate a gap between general e-waste awareness and use of formal disposal options. Improved household-level information and accessible formal collection facilities may support better e-waste management in semi-urban communities.