Can information-based interventions shift consumers’ perceptions of sustainable e-waste management? Evidence from an experimental study in Surabaya,Indonesia

Abstract

Electronic waste (e-waste) is a major global environmental challenge that poses threats to ecosystems and human health. Surabaya, Indonesia’s second-largest city, faces significant challenges in e-waste management because of inadequate infrastructure, widespread informal recycling and limited public awareness of proper disposal methods. This study investigated the effects of information-based interventions on consumer perceptions related to sustainable e-waste management in Surabaya. Its objectives included (i) designing an information-based intervention strategy to enhance consumer understanding of sustainable e-waste management practices, (ii) assessing the current awareness and perceptions of consumers regarding e-waste management and (iii) analysing the impact of information-based interventions on consumer perceptions of sustainable e-waste management. Using an experimental design with 485 respondents, this study compared the effectiveness of the intervention across the following four components: understanding of e-waste management, environmental protection awareness and perception, knowledge about e-waste recycling and willingness to pay for e-waste management. The Mann–Whitney U-test revealed significant differences in the impact of information provision, indicating that the treatment group consistently scored higher across all the components, demonstrating that the interventions significantly improved consumer understanding and engagement. These results provide evidence for policymakers, environmental organizations and businesses to develop tailored strategic interventions to promote sustainable e-waste management practices in Surabaya and similar urban settings, ultimately reducing the environmental harm caused by e-waste.