E Waste Viability

| 2013 | | SIIB
SUDEEP A.R.11020243028MBA (E&E) 2011-13 |

[DISSERTATION PROJECT] | To assess the viability of an E Waste collection centre in Hinjewadi |

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT It gives me great pleasure in expressing my gratitude to my professor, Dr. Prakash Rao also the Head of Department – Energy & Environment, for his valuable teachings and guidance throughout the program. Without his supervision, this endeavor would have been a futile exercise. I would also like to thank all the E-waste dealers around Pune whom I contacted, for providing me with valuable information regarding the exploratory research. I would also like to extend a heartfelt gratitude to all the respondents, especially SIC (Symbiosis InfoTech Campus) students and the IT employees around Hinjewadi, who spared their precious time and provided me with their genuine responses, which led to the successful completion of my project.

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION 3 OBJECTIVE 3 REVIEW OF LITERATURE 3 METHODOLOGY 6 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 6 DATA COLLECTION METHOD: 6 MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES: 7 QUESTIONNAIRE DESIGN PROCEDURE: 7 EXPLORATORY RESEARCH 8 Primary Research Objective 8 RESEARCH FINDINGS 13 CHI- SQUARE ANALYSIS 30  AREA VS WILLINGESS TO PAY 30  AWARENESS VS COMMITMENT 32 ANALYSIS 35 CONCLUSION 36 RECOMMENDATIONS 38 REFERENCES 39

INTRODUCTION

A recent study conducted by the Pune Municipal Corporation has found out that the city is generating more than 2500 metric tonnes of electronic waste a year. Hinjewadi, being the site for an ever expanding IT parks, is fast growing as a major source of e-waste.

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of this study was to test the viability of setting up an E-waste management business in the area under the coverage of the research, i.e., Hinjewadi area (Phase 1, Phase 2 and Phase 3). The approach of the survey was to collect primary data from a reasonably diverse sample with IT employees, Students and E waste dealers as the demographic groups being analysed.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Waste from castaway electronic goods in Pune region is as high as 2,500 metric tonnes every year. Sadly, there is no system for its safe and environment-friendly disposal. The Pune-Mumbai corridor is a hotspot for e-waste.
A UN study has already cautioned that computer waste in India alone will grow by 500% from 2007 levels by 2020.
E-waste describes trashed electronics including computers, telephones, printers, televisions, refrigerators and other appliances. Scrap dealers usually burn many parts while looking for metals like copper and gold. When e-waste is processed for disposal they release toxics.
Only a few firms are into e-waste disposal in the country and much of the disposal is taken up by scrap dealers (kabadiwalas) who trash them unscientifically. As much as 95 per cent of e-waste recycling is done by the informal sector, which is unsafe and not environment-friendly. There has to be a better way for e-waste management. Proper collection and accountability can help channelize e-waste.

The Pune Municipal Corporation’s deputy commissioner (solid waste management) Suresh Jagtap said that Pune region generates about 2,500 metric tonnes of e-waste per year. The areas include Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and fringe areas including the Hinjewadi IT Park. Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation’s health officer K Nagkumar said that e-waste management and handling rules are yet to be implemented, but the civic body has taken steps for better handling and disposal of e-waste.
A few of the existing E-Waste management ventures around Hinjewadi are Save Environment Engineers Pvt Ltd, Avj Engineering Consultants, Trio Chem Techno Legel Services PVT LTD, Enviro Safe, Soilink, Pacific GreentechLlp, Mkw Biosystems, Global Green Energy & Sustainability Solutions PVT LTD, R R Scrap Merchant ,R R Petroplast, Arya Omnitalk Wireless Solutions PVT LTD and Sms Envocare Ltd.

The MPCB report had pointed out that the total Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEE) in Maharashtra amounts to 20,270.6 tonnes out of which, Pune contributes 2,584.21 tonnes and Pimpri-Chinchwad area contributes 1,032.37 tonnes. Currently, more than 19,000 tonnes of e-waste is generated in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad area every year and the projected growth in the e-waste is estimated at 3,500 tonnes a year.

METHODOLOGY

Questionnaires were used as the primary means of collecting relevant data and responses recorded after direct interviews with respondents along with electronic responses which were mailed by the respondents. The sample included students, IT employees and E goods dealers. The sample size was chosen as 170 respondents and the results were extrapolated for the purpose of analysis.
The field survey was preceded by secondary research and exploratory research. Using the learning’s of the exploratory research, a questionnaire was designed keeping the secondary research proposals in mind.
The exploratory research helped in providing a broad framework. In order to analyse the findings, the help of SPSS processor has also been taken. The findings of the research have been a mix of obvious and surprises. Research was undertaken to arrive at the information needs required to assess every SRO.
Using various statistical techniques like tabulation and cross-tabulation, the raw data was converted into meaningful information. This was pictorially represented through graphs to extend the research findings.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

DATA COLLECTION METHOD:

The method of data collection used for the purpose of this research was the questionnaire method of survey. The survey was conducted in Pune mostly in and around Hinjewadi. A total of 170 respondents were interviewed. The sample for the interview was picked up by non-probability based technique of convenient sampling. For filling up of the questionnaire, the direct interview has been used. The field survey was preceded by a secondary and exploratory research. The exploratory research helped in providing a framework for the further research.

MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES:

To record the data the following measurement techniques have been used: * Graphic non-comparative scale * Rank-order scale * Providing Neutral Choices * Open ended questions
QUESTIONNAIRE DESIGN PROCEDURE:
Taking Preliminary Decision

Questions were framed to satisfy data-need for the specifications framed out of the Secondary Research Objectives.
Questions were formed to gather data directly related to PRO. * Decisions regarding Question Content were taken, i.e., whether the data generated by the answer to the question is really needed. * Decisions regarding Question Phrasing were taken. * Response-format was finalized. * Question sequencing was done * Questionnaire layout was done. * Pre-testing involved debriefing and protocol analysis. * A Revision was made for the entire content.
Sample Planning:

Sample was considered so that it represented the overall electronic goods market. A sample of 170 respondents was taken which was conducted by a non-probability based technique.

Analysis Techniques:

Analysis of the data collected was done on the basis of graphs and tables and SPSS tools. Based on these, the findings were made and conclusion was drawn.

EXPLORATORY RESEARCH

Primary Research Objective

To determine the viability of an E-Waste management venture in Hinjewadi.

Personal Interviews were carried out and also some open-ended questions to uncover all the parameters that may have an influence on fulfillment of the Research Objectives. The various variables uncovered for each SRO are listed below:
SRO 1 * To determine disposal density in different areas.

1. Geographic (100) a. Phase 1(20) b. Phase 2 (50) c. Phase 3(30)

SRO 2 * To determine potential customer base.

2. Consumers (100) d. Commercial (30) e. Corporate (40) f. Residential (20) g. Students (10)

SRO 3 * To determine gross amount spent on purchase of electronic goods per consumer per year.

3. Financial (100) h. Annual amount (50) i. Product-wise break up (50)

SRO 4 * To determine quantity, type and frequency of purchase.

4. Buying behaviour (150) j. Buying habits (80) k. Purchase Frequency (70)

SRO 5 * To determine the general awareness of the e-waste concept.

5. Awareness (150) l. Concept of e-waste management (90) m. Adverse effects of e-waste disposal (60)

SRO 6 * To determine current e-waste disposal mechanisms/practices.

6. Responsibility : post-use behaviour(100) n. Current means of disposal (30) o. Willingness to shift to recommended methods(70)

SRO 7 * To determine current and preferred e-waste movement.

7. Transportation(100) p. Available means of movement (50) q. Preferred means of movement (50)

SRO 8 * To determine majorly disposed e-products.

8. Equipments (100) r. Lifecycle of E-equipments (50) s. Usage patterns (50)

SRO 9 * To determine the frequency of e-waste disposal.

9. Disposal frequency (100) t. Consumer classification (50) u. E-product classification (50)

No. | Classification | Situational Analysis | Model Division | 1. | Geographic | Phase 1 | 20 | | | Phase 2 | 50 | | | Phase 3 | 30 | 2. | Consumers | Commercial | 30 | | | Corporate | 40 | | | Residential | 20 | | | Students | 10 | 3. | Financial | Annual Amount | 50 | | | Product-wise Break up | 50 | 4. | Buying Behaviour | Buying Habits | 80 | | | Purchase Frequency | 70 | 5. | Awareness | Concept of e-waste management | 90 | | | Adverse effects of e-waste disposal | 60 | 6. | Responsibility : post-use behaviour | Current means of disposal | 30 | | | Willingness to shift to recommended methods | 70 | 7. | Transportation | Available means of movement | 50 | | | Preferred means of movement | 50 | 8. | Equipment | Lifecycle of E-equipment | 50 | | | Usage patterns | 50 | 9. | Disposal frequency | Consumer classification | 50 | | | E-product classification | 50 |

RESEARCH FINDINGS

GENDER DISTRIBUTION

No of Males 110 65%
No of Females 60 35%

AGE DISTRIBUTION Under 18 2 1%
19 to 25 90 53%
26 to 30 53 31%
31 to 40 21 12%
Above 40 4 2%
CATEGORY

Student 78 46%
E Good Dealer 7 4%
Employee 81 48%
Other 4 2%
AREA

Phase 1 134 79%
Phase 2 22 13%
Phase 3 14 8%

AWARENESS
“E-WASTE” THE TERM
Yes 120 71%
No 33 19%
Not Sure 17 10%

“IMPROPER DISPOSAL OF E-WASTE”

Yes 102 60%
No 51 30%
Not Sure 17 10%

“RECYCLABLE NATURE OF E-WASTE”

Yes 61 31%
No 103 69%

AMOUNT SPENT ON E-GOOD ANNUALLY
Upto Rs.5000 50 29%
Rs. 5000 - Rs. 15000 56 33%
Rs. 15000 - Rs. 30000 38 22%
Rs. 30000 – Rs. 60000 15 9%
Above Rs. 60000 11 6%

NUMBER OF E-GOOD PURCHASED IN THE LAST YEAR
None 19 11%
Below 5 110 65%
6 to 10 30 18%
More than 10 9 5%
Don’t Know 2 1%

CURRENT OWNERSHIP OF DEVICES
Computers/Laptops/Notebooks 158
Camera/Photography accessories 112
Cellphones/Telephones 157
Television/Monitors 113
Mp3 players/iPods/Portable media players 121
Gaming consoles(PS 3 , Xbox etc) 43
Printers + Cartridges 50
Headsets/Earphones 141
Batteries 139
Microwave ovens 65
Refrigerators 96
Flat Irons 105
Air Conditioners 61
Electric fans 107
Fluorescent lamp/Bulbs 116
Other 4
Total 1568

PURCHASING BEHAVIOR
RECENT PURCHASE
Computers/Laptops 47
Camera 11
Cellphones/Telephones 22
TV/Monitors 5
MP3 players/iPods 9
Gaming consoles(PS3 , XBOX etc) 0
Printers+cartridges 0
Headsets/Earphones 17
Batteries 8
Microwave oven 3
Refrigerator 3
Flat Iron 3
Air conditioner 4
Electric fan 0
Fluoroscent Lamps/Bulbs 3
Other 35

RECENCY OF PURCHASE
0 to 6 months 101
6 to 12 months 48
12 to 24 months 13
More than 24 months 8

LIFE EXPECTANCY
0 to 6 months 16 9%
6 to 12 months 15 9%
12 to 24 months 43 25%
24 to 36 months 44 26%
36 to 48 months 18 11%

DISPOSAL HABITS Sell 39
Retain 66
Recycle 28
Dispose 85
None of the above 10
FREQUENTLY DISPOSED E-GOOD
Batteries 107
Bulbs 91
USB/ Hard drive/ CDs 41
Cell phones 24
Home/Kitchen Appliances 15
Other 4
NUMBER OF E GOODS DISPOSED THE PREVIOUS YEAR
None 29
1 to 5 114
6 to 20 23
Above 20 4

MODE OF E WASTE DISPOSAL

WORKPLACE/EDU INSTITUTE RESIDENCE
Bin 82 48% Bin 85 50%
Outside the premises 30 18% Outside the premises 39 23%
Sell to junk dealers 41 24% Sell to junk dealers 36 21%
Other 17 10% Other 10 6%

PREFERRED E WASTE DISPOSAL AT WORKPLACE/INSTITUTE

Centralized E-Waste bin in your premises 36 21%
E-Waste bins on your floor 50 29%
Pickup service 43 25%
Undecided 27 16%
Not Applicable 13 8%
Other 1 1%

PREFERRED E WASTE DISPOSAL AT RESIDENCE

Centralized E-Waste bin in your premises 25 15%
E-Waste bins on your floor 37 22%
Pickup service 63 37%
Undecided 39 23%
Not Applicable 6 4%

PRESENCE OF E-WASTE MOVEMENT FACILITY
AT WORKPLACE/INSTITUTE

Yes 36 21%
No 97 57%
Don’t know 32 19%
Not Applicable 5 3%

AT RESIDENCE
Yes 19 11%
No 128 75%
Don’t know 21 12%
Not Applicable 2 1%

WILLINGNESS
TO SEGREGATE E WASTE

Yes 129 76%
No 22 13%
Can’t say 19 11%

TO PAY FOR E WASTE COLLECTION

Yes 98 58%
No 48 28%
Undecided 24 14%

TO USE A E WASTE FACILITY IF AVAILABLE
Very High 48 28%
High 80 47%
Neutral 37 22%
Low 4 2%
Very Low 1 1%
FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION TABLE OF AGE AND EXPENDITURE

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE AWARENESS OF “E-WASTE” Awareness Responsiveness | E Good Dealer | Employee | Others | Student | Grand Total | No | 4 | 20 | 3 | 5 | 32 | Not Sure | | 12 | | 5 | 17 | Yes | 3 | 49 | | 60 | 112 | Grand Total | 7 | 81 | 3 | 70 | 161 |

COMPARATIVE DISPOSAL RATE

DISPOSAL BEHAVIOR

COMMITMENT OF RESPONDENTS TO MAKE USE E-WASTE FACILITY

AVAILABILITY OF MOVEMENT FACILITY AT WORKPLACE (SCOPE FOR E-MOVEMENT FACILITY)

WILLINGNESS OF RESPONDENTS TO PAY A NOMINAL CHARGE FOR USING AN E-WASTE COLLECTION FACILITY

Category | Count of Willingness to pay a nominal charge for a doorstep collection facility? | Phase 1 | 125 | E Good Dealer | 4 | Employee | 57 | Others | 3 | Student | 61 | Phase 2 | 22 | E Good Dealer | 2 | Employee | 14 | Student | 6 | Phase 3 | 14 | E Good Dealer | 1 | Employee | 10 | Student | 3 | Grand Total | 161 |

CHI- SQUARE ANALYSIS

* AREA VS WILLINGESS TO PAY

HYPOTHESES
H0: There is no significant influence of area on willingness to pay at 95% confidence level.
H1: There is significant influence of area on willingness to pay at 95% confidence level. Case Processing Summary | | Cases | | Valid | Missing | Total | | N | Percent | N | Percent | N | Percent | 4. Which part of Hinjewadi are you associated with? * 27. Are you willing to pay a nominal charge for a doorstep collection facility? | 160 | 100.0% | 0 | .0% | 160 | 100.0% |

4. Which part of Hinjewadi are you associated with? * 27. Are you willing to pay a nominal charge for a doorstep collection facility? Cross tabulation | Count | | 27. Are you willing to pay a nominal charge for a doorstep collection facility? | Total | | No | Undecided | Yes | | 4. Which part of Hinjewadi are you associated with? | Phase 1 | 30 | 15 | 78 | 123 | | Phase 2 | 9 | 4 | 10 | 23 | | Phase 3 | 6 | 0 | 8 | 14 | Total | 45 | 19 | 96 | 160 |

Chi-Square Tests | | Value | df | Asymp. Sig. (2-sided) | Pearson Chi-Square | 6.248a | 4 | .181 | Likelihood Ratio | 7.713 | 4 | .103 | N of Valid Cases | 160 | | | a. 3 cells (33.3%) have expected count less than 5. The minimum expected count is 1.66. |

Symmetric Measuresa | | Value | N of Valid Cases | 160 | a. Correlation statistics are available for numeric data only. |
P critical= 0.05 P observed = 0.181
At 95 % confidence level, since Pobserved >Pcritical, therefore we accept the null hypothesis implying that there is no significant influence of area on willingness to pay at 95% confidence level.

* AWARENESS VS COMMITMENT

HYPOTHESES H0: There is no significant influence of awareness on commitment to use E-waste facility at 95% confidence level.
H1: There is significant influence of awareness on commitment to use E-waste facility at 95% confidence level.

Case Processing Summary | | Cases | | Valid | Missing | Total | | N | Percent | N | Percent | N | Percent | 5. . Do you understand the term "e waste"? * 28. In the presence of an E-Waste management facility, how committed will you be in using the same? | 160 | 100.0% | 0 | .0% | 160 | 100.0% |

5. Do you understand the term "e waste"? * 28. In the presence of an E-Waste management facility, how committed will you be in using the same? Cross tabulation | Count | | 28. In the presence of an E-Waste management facility, how committed will you be in using the same? | Total | | 2 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 5 | | 5. Do you understand the term "e waste"? | 2 | 12 | 2 | 12 | 5 | 1 | 32 | | 3 | 8 | 0 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 17 | | 1 | 56 | 2 | 16 | 37 | 0 | 111 | Total | 76 | 4 | 33 | 46 | 1 | 160 | Chi-Square Tests | | Value | df | Asymp. Sig. (2-sided) | Pearson Chi-Square | 17.339a | 8 | .027 | Likelihood Ratio | 16.178 | 8 | .040 | N of Valid Cases | 160 | | | a. 8 cells (53.3%) have expected count less than 5. The minimum expected count is .11. |

Symmetric Measuresa | | Value | N of Valid Cases | 160 | a. Correlation statistics are available for numeric data only. |
P critical= 0.05 P observed = 0.027
At 95 % confidence level, since Pobserved <Pcritical, therefore we reject the null hypothesis implying that there is significant influence of awareness on commitment to use E-waste facility at 95% confidence level.

ANALYSIS

From the above analysis, we can clearly conclude that given an option of an e-waste movement facility there is a very high probability of its usage by the people in this area. The chi- square test done for this further strengthens this point.

CONCLUSION

* From the analysis that has been carried out it can be clearly concluded that there is a high amount of awareness about the concept of e-waste. 71% of the people interviewed have said to know what “E-Waste” means and 60% of them understand the ill effects of improper disposal of the same. * However, only 30% of the interviewee is aware of the fact that “E-Waste” is recyclable in nature. Which makes the area in question a hugely potential market for establishing a “E-Waste” movement facility. * Also, the buying behaviour of the people shows some interesting patterns. About three-quarters of the total sample size spends annually Rs.5000 to Rs. 30000 on E-Goods. This is an example of the spending capacity of the people on e-goods. * Of the people who, have bought e-good in the past year or so, about 50% believe that the E-goods which last with them for not more that 2 to 3 years, giving an indication of the constant supply of the e-waste that will be generated. * While looking at the disposal patterns of the E-waste generated, it is seen that about 50% of the people simply dispose of their e-waste into the trash bin. This is mainly because of the lack of an E-waste movement channel and awareness among the people. * This trend is observed both at residential and workplace sector. * More than 75% of the interviewee highlighted the absence of an “e-waste movement facility” indicating the high potential to establish the business here. * When asked about their preferred mode of e-waste disposal it is observed that more than a quarter of the people would like a “E-Waste pickup service” from their home or workplace for proper disposal of the same. * When asked about their willingness for segregating “e-waste” separately, more than 75% of the people answered in the affirmative. * More than half (58%) of the people are even ready to pay for an “e-waste” collection facility, indicating the need for such a facility. * When asked about their commitment to use the services of an “e-waste movement facility”, about three fourth of the respondents answered as “High and Very high” and only a miniscule part of the group (3%) had low and very low as their choice. A good 22% of the respondents chose a neutral option. * Also from the Chi-square tests it can be seen that area and the willingness to pay for e-waste movement has no significant relationship in between them. This helps in establishing the fact that the facility could be established anywhere around Hinjewadi.

RECOMMENDATIONS

* From the initial analysis it can be observed that almost three-fourth of the interviewed sample is aware about the term e-waste, but due to the absence of an e-waste movement channel, there is no proper disposal mechanism. This gives high scope for establishment of a new venture.

* It can be seen from the report that, more than half of the respondents would prefer a well-structured e-waste disposal mechanism, which shows the high level of commitment of the respondents for the cause. The chi-square analysis further strengthens this argument.

* More than half of the respondents have mentioned the absence of an existing e waste disposal facility at their workplace/institution. This brightens the scope for establishing an e-waste disposal facility.

* Also the secondary data predicts very high rate of growth of generation of e waste which further helps this cause. * However, it is observed that more than a third of the respondents have no idea or are unclear about the e-waste and ill effects of the same. Thus an active awareness drive and a well-structured marketing program must be carried out.

REFERENCES

* http://www.ewasteindia.com/

* http://www.weeerecycle.in/e_waste_collection_centres_pune.htm

* http://www.punemirror.in/article/2/2011080320110803004645657bf9f9317/Pune-seems-content-with-ewaste-mismanagement.html

* http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-09-26/bangalore/34100765_1_e-waste-recycler-electronic-waste-hazardous-waste

References: * http://www.ewasteindia.com/ * http://www.weeerecycle.in/e_waste_collection_centres_pune.htm * http://www.punemirror.in/article/2/2011080320110803004645657bf9f9317/Pune-seems-content-with-ewaste-mismanagement.html * http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-09-26/bangalore/34100765_1_e-waste-recycler-electronic-waste-hazardous-waste