Percepção dos consumidores em relação ao descarte correto de resíduos de equipamento eletroeletrônico: a luz da educação ambiental

Abstract

The increase in the generation of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is due to technological advances and planned obsolescence of these products, however recycling of WEEE is minimal in the global context. Given this scenario, the recycling of these wastes is necessary for the balance of the planet. However, there is a lot of difficulty for consumers when it comes to proper disposal. In view of the above, the perception of consumers regarding the disposal of WEEE is necessary to understand this context and outline strategies for proper disposal. Therefore, for this study, a questionnaire was used as a methodology for 200 people in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, to evaluate the perception of consumers regarding the importance of the correct disposal of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and to propose an alternative for its management. using environmental education as a tool. In view of this, the perception of consumers regarding the correct disposal of WEEE was obtained, so, although 99% of the participants know what EEE is, only 87% know how to identify WEEE and within this group, only 68% claim to know how to dispose of it properly. Regarding the difficulties encountered regarding the disposal of WEEE, it can be stated that the lack of information regarding environmental education and the lack of collection points in easily accessible places such as schools and supermarkets contribute to the inappropriate disposal of WEEE, and the most effective environmental education tools are non-formal environmental education.