Promoting collection, reuse and recycling of electrical and electronic equipment

E-waste poses significant environmental challenges, yet recycling rates remain low despite established infrastructure. Existing research has explored psychological drivers of recycling intentions but lacks insights into how these intentions translate into actions, the role of situational factors, and the potential of digital nudging to promote sustainable behaviours. This PhD thesis addresses these gaps through three interconnected studies, offering a comprehensive approach to enhancing e-waste management practices. The first study conducts a worldwide meta-analysis of 36 studies to identify key psychological antecedents of e-waste recycling behaviour, such as attitudes, convenience, and policy effectiveness, using constructs from prominent behavioural theories. These findings provide a robust theoretical foundation for understanding recycling behaviours. The second study investigates the influence of situational factors, including proximity and user experience of collection centres, on bridging the intention-behaviour. Using structural equation modelling with data from 700 participants gathered in Italy, the study demonstrates how convenience enhances recycling behaviours through normative and gain-based goals. The third study evaluates digital nudging strategies, specifically social comparison feedback, in influencing recycling and purchasing behaviours. An experimental survey of 524 Italian participants reveals nuanced effects, offering practical insights for designing pro-environmental digital interventions. Together, these studies provide actionable strategies to advance sustainable e-waste management and bridge critical research gaps.