A study on the e-waste disposal method in Puncak Alam, Selangor

E-waste comprises of a wide range of electric and electronic equipment such as computers, cell phones and televisions. E-waste was studied from many points of views from the impacts toward the human and environmental health to the awareness of the people. The methods and practices of E-waste disposal differ from countries to countries with major differences between developed, developing and least developed countries. The way they address their E-waste problems depends on their level of awareness and the technology they possessed. A study on the E-waste disposal method was conducted in Puncak Alam, Selangor. The main objectives of the study were to determine E-waste generation and evaluate the awareness of E-waste disposal among the Puncak Alam household. The study area had estimated populations of 25000 inhabitants and it is classified as urban residential area because it is located near big cities such as Kuala Lumpur and Shah Alam. In term of E-waste generation, it is considered high as a result of poor waste collection system and lack of awareness regarding E-waste. The data and information used in this study were collected by distributing questionnaires using simple random sampling in Puncak Alam household. A total of 50 households was selected and interviewed. The results from the study indicate that the majority of the households (68%) had heard about the term E-waste. Despite that, they actually did not know the harmful effects of E-waste to human health and environment. That explains why the generation of E-waste is still high and no proper methods of E-waste disposal. However, in the end of the survey, almost all of them (96%) had realised the harmful effects from E-waste and showed their enthusiasm towards proper E-waste disposal methods.