A Study Of A Sustainable Environmental Management Towards Manufacturers’ E-Waste Disposal: A Pls-Sem Approach

Abstract

             This research is to present a structural equation model of variables affecting e-waste management intention for a sustainable environment. Electronic waste or e-waste is classified as hazardous waste and different from common waste. There are various and complex parts which cannot be decomposed naturally. Most of the e-waste contains heavy metals and dangerous chemical substances such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. An improper disposal may lead to the leakage of hazardous substances into the environment and human. It requires a complicated procedure and advanced technology for e-waste management which importantly depends on manufacturer’s responsibility for a better environment.  Quantitative data surveyed from a sample of 270 Thai managers working in electronics, electrical products and appliance manufacturers. Partial Least Square (SmartPLS) software was conducted to analyse Structural Equation Model (SEM). Subjective norms and attitude are the highest two impact factors respectively towards the intention of the manufacturers to manage e-waste issues sustainably.