Descarte de resíduos eletrônicos pelos estudantes da UFFS, Campus Cerro Largo, Rs

Abstract

Electronic devices are increasingly becoming a larger part of society. When these devices become obsolete, electronic waste (e-waste) or electronic residuals are generated causing various aggravating effects to the environment. The objective of this study was to verify the method of e-waste disposal among the students of the Universidade Federal da Fronteira Sul (UFFS), Campus Cerro Largo, Rio Grande do Sul and companies focused on electronics in the municipality of Cerro Largo. It was a quantitative study with a descriptive focus. Two groups were investigated: undergraduate students from UFFS, Cerro Largo Campus and entrepreneurs from computer focused businesses of the municipality. Participants were 3 businessmen and 219 students who answered a questionnaire developed by the author. The students responded to the questionnaire during their classes and adapted from Reis (2014). Among the students, it was observed that 29% and 46% of them discarded their cell phones and batteries in the garbage, respectively. The majority (58%) of the students reported having “more or less” understanding about appropriate disposal methods. Electronic waste legislation was not familiar to 73% of the students. The businessmen said they discard the electronic waste in the depot of the city hall. Finally, it is hoped that this study can contribute to a change in the attitude towards the appropriate disposal of electronic waste and thus assist in the municipal policy regarding solid waste.