Unraveling the influence of convenience situational factors on e-waste recycling behaviors: A goal-framing theory approach

The surge in e-waste production highlights the need to investigate what influences recycling behaviors, ultimately to enhance sustainable management practices. Previous research has explored its psychological antecedents, but there has been limited study on how situational factors of collection centers affect e-waste recycling behavior. This research investigates how convenience of collection centers (i.e., proximity, availability, and user experience) influences e-waste recycling behaviors. A survey administered to 700 citizens explores the relationship between convenience and goal-framing theory components, namely gain, normative, and hedonic goals. Structural equation modeling is employed for analysis. Results reveal that convenience significantly affects e-waste recycling behaviors through gain (β = −.304, p <.001) and normative goals (β =.154, p <.05), while hedonic goals show no significant association (β = −.064, p >.05). Furthermore, convenience exhibits a direct impact on e-waste recycling behaviors (β =.166, p <.05). Implications for research and practical strategies for recycling initiatives are discussed. This study adds valuable insights to the existing literature and informs targeted interventions for sustainable e-waste management.