1. Introduction
Nowadays, technology has become indispensable to everyday life, with people and companies constantly searching for innovations for leisure and work [1]. According to De et al. [2], the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the use of technology, accelerated its adoption, and transformed the way people and businesses use it, making it an even more essential part of their lives. Social distancing and mobility restrictions have increased the demand for online communication tools such as video conferencing and messaging apps, while remote working and distance education have come to depend on online collaboration and learning platforms. In addition, the health, telemedicine, and commerce sectors have also benefited from the rapid implementation of technological solutions. According to Medeiros [1], it is still too early to assess the changes caused by the pandemic entirely. The author believes that the post-pandemic period will be marked by greater acceptance and use of technology.
The consumption of electronic equipment in Brazil continues to grow. The Getúlio Vargas Foundation—FGV [3] pointed out that there are around 424 million digital devices (computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones) in the country. In this context, initiatives such as those promoted by the WEEE Forum are essential. One of these initiatives is International Electronic Waste Day, celebrated on 14 October, which aims to raise public awareness of WEEE recycling, encouraging and engaging consumers in this process. In October 2023, the last edition involved 55 countries, promoting actions to raise awareness and collect this waste. This event addresses good practice instructions for managing WEEE, which are fundamental to ensuring that this waste is collected, treated, and recycled in an environmentally correct and safe way, minimizing negative impacts and promoting sustainability [4].
Comprehending e-waste’s limited collection and recycling issues in different locations is an important strategy for improving the sustainability of WEEE. In a study by Shittu et al. [5] on the global management of electronic waste, they point out that developing effective strategies to manage WEEE has proved highly challenging, varying according to regional particularities. However, four typical management scenarios have been identified. The first involves formal collection by municipal points, manufacturers, or retailers, carried out in compliance with legal requirements. The second scenario occurs when consumers dispose of WEEE with household rubbish in an unregulated manner. The third refers to unofficial collection by intermediaries without proper documentation, which makes tracking difficult and often results in improper disposal or illegal exports. The fourth scenario, common in developing countries, is characterized by informal collection by scrap dealers using rudimentary and inefficient waste treatment methods. These different collection methods end up influencing waste management and, consequently, the environmental, social, and economic sustainability in each region.
According to UN News [6], the world generated 53.6 million tonnes of WEEE in 2019, an average of 7.3 kg per person. Since 2014, the global amount of e-waste has increased by 9.2 million tonnes. This growth represents almost double the amount recorded in 16 years. This upward trend in e-waste generation is mainly due to the high consumption of electrical and electronic devices, their short life cycles, and the limited repair options. The 2024 report with data from 2022 pointed out that Brazil had become the largest generator of WEEE in South America, with 2.4 million tonnes per year, and the second largest in the Americas, behind only the United States [7]. WEEE generation in Brazil and worldwide continues to grow rapidly. According to Global E-waste [8], this type of waste is growing exponentially and is expected to reach 82 million tonnes by 2030, representing a further 33% increase on the 2022 figure. In response to this rapid growth and due to the lack of guidelines to help companies and educational institutions manage their waste, the International Electronic Waste Management Network (IEMN) was created to share best practices and develop guidelines to minimize the negative impact of WEEE on the environment and health. This emphasizes the importance of policies and guidelines to help companies and HEIs manage their WEEE properly, thus encouraging the appropriate management of WEEE among their students and the community [9].
In wealthy countries, e-waste constitutes approximately 8% of total waste volume. China and other Asian nations collectively generate about 40% of the world’s total waste. Despite the enormous volume of e-waste globally, only around 20% is formally collected and recycled, while the remaining 80% is improperly discarded. Much of this unaccounted waste is exported to low-income countries, where it is often dumped or processed to extract valuable metals, exacerbating environmental and social issues [10].
A literature review revealed that no specific guidelines are published for managing WEEE in HEIs. In response to this concern, the UNESCO International Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (IE-SALC), in partnership with the United Nations Academic Impact Initiative (UNAI), has developed and made available a tool with general guidelines for implementing sustainability in HEIs. This document offers general guidelines for leaders in information areas to systematize and maximize their institutions’ contributions to the United Nations’ 2030 agenda. The document describes the essential elements that can help HEIs structure their approach and increase their contribution to become more sustainable organizations. These guidelines constitute a starting point, highlighting the general steps to be considered and the high-level actions needed to lead a shift toward sustainability in HEIs [11].
During the COVID-19 pandemic, HEIs heavily depended on the Internet and Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs). Thus, the transformation led to significant changes and investments in the technological environment. Academic endeavors during the pandemic have mainly focused on the prospects of using technology to facilitate interaction between teachers and students [12]. According to Sum and Oancea [12], amid uncertainty, HEIs and educators embarked on emergency remote teaching during this period, seeking to exploit various technological tools. In addition to updating technology to cater to the academic area, HEIs were forced to invest in equipment with greater capacity and mobility so that their administrative staff could continue to carry out their duties and support the academic area via the home office. It is, therefore, of the utmost importance that they take care to dispose of this equipment when it becomes obsolete and no longer meets the HEIs’ needs.
The rapid technological evolution, driven by the COVID-19 pandemic and the demand for new electronic devices aimed at consumer comfort, has contributed to the generation of electronic waste (WEEE) [13]. The study by Rene et al. [13] points out that many countries already have laws and guidelines for the safe disposal of electronic devices. The authors also emphasize the importance of effective policies for managing this waste and the need for efficient collection, recycling, and reuse systems to mitigate environmental impacts. However, the informal sector in developing nations still handles much of this waste inappropriately. Given this, there is an urgency to revisit current practices, review current legislation, improve recycling infrastructures, and promote public awareness. Furthermore, they must adopt a robust technological or biotechnological approach that is economically viable, safe, and environmentally sustainable [13].
A study by Shahabuddin et al. [14] points out that although the management of waste electrical and electronic equipment is considered one of the greatest global challenges of the 21st century, only 78 countries have specific legislation for this waste, and even in these places, these laws are often not implemented effectively. In many regions, such as Southeast Asia and North Africa, e-waste regulations are limited or non-existent. Against this backdrop, it is crucial to develop regulations tailored to the needs of each country, raise awareness, ensure effective implementation, and offer government incentives for e-waste management sustainable technologies.
On 12 January 2022, Brazil, through Decree No. 10.936/2022 [15], published new regulations for the National Solid Waste Policy (PNRS), which commits individuals or legal entities, public or private, with direct or indirect responsibilities for generating solid waste. Therefore, it is believed that drawing up guidelines for the disposal of WEEE generated by private HEIs can subsidize the creation of internal policies that each HEI will define to improve the process of disposing of its WEEE, as advocated by Article 20 of the PNRS, where generators are subject to drawing up a solid waste management plan.
Therefore, this study aims to investigate HEI employees’ knowledge of current regulations and legislation regarding the disposal of WEEE, present comparative data on the generation of Information Technology (IT) equipment in the environment in question, and identify the current situation of WEEE management at HEIs. The innovation of this study lies in the fact that no studies have focused on providing guidelines to help private HEIs implement internal policies to manage better the WEEE they generate. This study aims to provide guidelines to support HEIs in implementing effective WEEE management policies.
The United Nations approved the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, safeguard the environment, and ensure that by 2030, all people live in peace and prosperity [16]. This work is aligned with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) since the inappropriate disposal of toxic chemical components from WEEE can harm ecosystems and human health, posing a significant danger to achieving the SDGs [17].
2. Background on the WEEE Literature and Policies
To position this work within the context of the WEEE literature, we first performed a search on the Web of Knowledge platform to identify the primary research themes related to e-waste recycling. Figure 1a presents a visualization of keyword co-occurrence across 1183 scientific articles retrieved using the search term “e-waste management”. After applying a filter to retain only keywords mentioned at least 20 times, 138 co-occurrences were identified. These were grouped into five major clusters, each distinguished by a specific color to emphasize their unique research focus. The first cluster (red) comprises 35 items that concentrate on assessing exposure and health risks associated with e-waste, particularly in relation to heavy metals. The second cluster (green) includes 29 items emphasizing the equipment and techniques for the separation and recovery of metals, especially high-value elements, along with end-of-life management and life cycle assessments.
The third cluster (blue), consisting of 27 items, explores the behavioral and attitudinal dimensions of e-waste management, emphasizing public awareness, collection practices, and disposal behaviors, with core keywords such as knowledge and recycling behavior. The fourth cluster (yellow) addresses the themes of sustainability and the circular economy, investigating the role of reverse logistics and supply chain management in enhancing resource efficiency. Lastly, the fifth cluster (purple) focuses on extended producer responsibility (EPR), legislative frameworks, policy trends, and perspectives related to urban mining. This study is situated within the third cluster (blue), as highlighted in Figure 1b, contributing data on attitudes, awareness, collection, determinants, and disposal practices, along with additional insights regarding equipment and local policies. The following are the legal provisions in force for managing WEEE in Brazil, which are considered fundamental to guiding the research in drawing up the guidelines so that they comply with the legislation’s requirements.
2.1. National Solid Waste Policy—Law 12.305/2010
To preserve the environment and human health, the National Solid Waste Policy (PNRS) was regulated on 2 August 2010 under Law No. 12.305. This policy aims to provide guidelines for integrated management, solid waste management, and the responsibilities of generators and public authorities. The PNRS is based on the principle of shared responsibility and reverse logistics, which makes everyone who takes part in the life cycle of products responsible.
The PNRS requires organizations to be transparent about the management of their waste. It is linked to the National Environmental Education Policy, regulated by Law No. 9.795 of 27 April 1999, the Federal Basic Sanitation Policy, regulated by Law No. 11.445 of 2007, and Law No. 11.107 of 6 April 2005, and together they aim to achieve integrated management and environmentally appropriate management of solid waste [18].
Shared responsibility is intended to make manufacturers, importers, distributors, and traders assume responsibilities such as the following: I—investing in the development, manufacture, and placement on the market of products: (a) which are suitable, after use by the consumer, for reuse, recycling or another form of environmentally appropriate disposal and (b) whose manufacture and use generate the least amount of solid waste possible; II—disclosure of information regarding ways to avoid, recycle, and dispose of solid waste associated with their respective products; III—collection of products and waste remaining after use, as well as their subsequent environmentally appropriate final disposal, in the case of products subject to a reverse logistics system; and IV—a commitment, when agreements or terms of commitment have been signed with the municipality, to participate in the actions outlined in the municipal integrated solid waste management plan, in the case of products not yet included in the reverse logistics system [18].
2.2. Decree No. 10.240/2020
Decree No. 10.240 was regulated in 2020, complementing Law No. 12.305 of 2010, with the aim of establishing rules for the implementation and operation of a reverse logistics system for electrical and electronic equipment and products and their components for domestic use or for small businesses in Brazil.
This decree refers to WEEE as the following: I—accessories—products that are not part of the physical structure of electrical and electronic products and that enable, assist or facilitate their use by consumers, including remote controls, chargers, removable covers, and cables, among others; III—components—parts, materials, substances and non-removable fixed parts that constitute and integrate the physical structure of electrical and electronic products and whose absence jeopardizes the proper use of the products; XIV—electrical and electronic products—household equipment whose operation depends on electric currents with a nominal voltage of no more than two hundred and forty volts; XV—grey electro-electronic products or grey products—electro-electronic products and their accessories imported or marketed unofficially, unauthorized, or unintentionally by the original manufacturer; XVI—orphan electro-electronic products or orphan products—electro-electronic products and their accessories whose manufacturer or importer no longer exists on the current market; XVII—domestic use—own or personal, residential, or family use, exclusively by individuals, of the electrical and electronic products referred to in this Decree; and XVIII—non-domestic use—uses not mentioned in item XVII, such as use for governmental or corporate purposes, industrial use, and commercial use by legal entities, under the terms of Art. 5 [19].
According to Castilho and Ferreira [20], Decree No. 10.240 intends to impose obligations like those existing in the sector agreement on manufacturers, importers, distributors, and traders of household electrical and electronic products, who must implement reverse logistics systems for their electrical and electronic waste independently of the public collection system. The authors understand that the measures contained in Decree No. 10.240 give everyone in the product’s life cycle their share of responsibility. Importers must participate in the reverse logistics system as a requirement for compliance in their activities. In contrast, distributors are required to encourage traders to join management entities or establish their own reverse logistics system and be responsible for providing physical consolidation spaces until transfer to environmentally appropriate disposal. In addition to complying with the above, retailers must take part in the implementation of communication and nonformal environmental education plans, and to complete the cycle, end consumers must I—segregate and store electrical and electronic products separately from other solid waste fractions, in order to maintain their physical integrity and prevent risks to human health or damage to the environment; II—remove, prior to disposal, private information and data and the programs in which they are stored on electrical and electronic products, hard drives, memory cards, and similar structures, if present; and III—dispose of electrical and electronic products properly and unplugged at the specific reception points of the reverse logistics system, observing the procedures and guidelines for disposal contained in the product manuals, the basic operating manual, or other means of communication provided for in Art. 43.
Decree No. 10.240 establishes the participation of cooperatives and associations of waste pickers in the reverse logistics system, provided they are legally qualified using a legal instrument. As for isolated WEEE reverse logistics initiatives, they must provide an environmentally appropriate destination for 100 percent of the electrical and electronic products collected. Monitoring the reverse logistics system referred to in the Decree in question will take place through data presentations, reports, and other information that the companies involved must send to the Ministry of the Environment. It also mentions the application of administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions in the legislation in the event of non-compliance with the obligations set out in the Decree [20].
2.3. Decree No. 10.936/2022
The new PNRS regulations, instituted by Law No. 12.305, were published on 12 January 2022. The Decree holds individuals or legal entities, whether public or private, directly or indirectly responsible for generating solid waste involving integrated or solid waste management actions.
According to Roveda [21], the Decree operates on three pillars: waste management optimization and compliance, reverse logistics, and management instruments.
The Decree establishes the National Reverse Logistics Programme as a mechanism for coordinating and integrating reverse logistics systems. The program aims to ensure information traceability through integration with the National Solid Waste Management Information System (SINIR), thereby enhancing synergy between the systems [21].
The National Reverse Logistics Programme aims to I—optimize the implementation and operation of the physical and logistical infrastructure; II—provide gains in scale; and III—enable synergy between the systems [15].
In Art. 13 of the Decree in question, reverse logistics is described as an instrument of economic and social development, characterized by a set of actions, procedures, and means designed to enable the collection and return of solid waste to the business sector for reuse in its cycle or in other production cycles or for another environmentally appropriate final destination. Manufacturers, importers, distributors, and traders are responsible for the following: I—structuring, implementing, and operating reverse logistics systems through the return of products and packaging after use by the consumer, and II—ensuring the economic and financial sustainability of reverse logistics [15].
In order to increase recycling and other final destinations, Roveda [21] stress the importance of giving low-income individuals who collect recyclable and reusable materials through cooperatives or other associations top priority when it comes to the selective solid waste collection system.
The current legislation in Brazil presented in this study establishes clear guidelines for integrated solid waste management, defining the responsibilities of both generators and public authorities. Both the National Solid Waste Policy and the decrees presented here are based on the principles of shared responsibility, seeking to ensure that all those involved in the life cycle of products assume their part in the environmentally appropriate disposal of this waste. In this context, HEIs play a multifaceted and crucial role in educating citizens to be aware of and prepared to deal with social, economic, and environmental challenges. As well as being responsible for the correct management of the electronic waste they generate, HEIs act as agents of awareness, promoting sustainable practices that foster a culture of environmental responsibility both internally and externally. Given the importance of this legislation, it is essential to support the process of drawing up guidelines to help HEIs create their own internal policies in line with legal requirements. Adopting such practices ensures compliance with legislation and strengthens HEIs’ commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Therefore, such legislation is essential for drawing up effective guidelines to guide the management of WEEE within these institutions.
3. Materials and Methods
3.1. Study Area, Population, and Sample
This study was carried out in private Higher Education Institutions in the city of Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil, that met the profile of offering face-to-face courses and having a local Information Technology (IT) department, with its data center located within the HEI premises. Considering the institutions that fulfilled the above profile, the survey could have been applied to five HEIs. However, in a previous consultation, only four HEIs favored carrying out the survey, so four IT coordinators or someone in an equivalent position at the HEI took part. These professionals supervise this waste’s reuse, storage, and proper disposal. It should be noted that the data collection stage involved people directly involved in the acquisition, relocation, reuse of parts, and disposal of WEEE from the private HEIs evaluated.
Considered an educational hub, Ribeirão Preto has more than 50 HEIs, including colleges, university centers, universities, and distance learning centers. Together, these institutions offer a total of 24,625 places per year, with approximately 63,163 students enrolling in their selection processes each year, resulting in around 7547 students entering these HEIs each year [22].
3.2. Data Collection and Analysis
The data collection process used an electronic form (Supplementary Materials). The following steps were taken to collect the data: I—The data collection instrument was validated by specialists, including PhD professors from the doctoral course in environmental technology and IT professionals. II—Authorization was requested from the educational institutions where this research was carried out. III—This project was sent for analysis and approval by the UNAERP Human Research Ethics Committee, receiving approval under CAAE no. 51677821. 9.0000.54.98 and opinion no. 5.189.885, on 30 December 2021. IV—The Informed Consent Form (ICF), signed by the research participants, was obtained. The data collection instrument consisted of four parts, as shown in Figure 2.
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(1). The first part covered the participants’ professional information.
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(2). The second part was made up of objective questions relating to the subject of this research, in which the participants were able to state whether they consider it essential to implement environmental sustainability guidelines and measures at the HEI; their knowledge of the existence of sustainability guidelines and practices at the institution; and their level of knowledge about the NSWP and reverse logistics. The questions were structured according to a Likert scale ranging from 1 to 5. On this scale, 5 represents “indispensable” or “very high”, 4 stands for “very important” or “high”, 3 indicates “partially important” or “medium”, 2 denotes “not very important” or “low”, and 1 signifies “dispensable” or “very low”. The other questions followed a binary response model: 1 for “yes” and 2 for “no” [23].
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(3). The third part included open questions on the subject of this study, where there was space for interviewees to record any comments or considerations they considered pertinent, which were then transcribed and grouped into themes, as shown in Figure 2.
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(4). The last part of the questionnaire was made up of questions about the technology park, i.e., computers, servers, network devices, peripherals, systems, communications equipment, and other technological resources. They covered the amount of existing equipment broken down by type, the amount acquired in recent years, the average amount of discarded equipment (broken down by type), the tendency to invest in software or hardware, and how EEE is distributed in the HEI.
The data collected were validated jointly by this study’s authors, ensuring transparency at all stages of this research. The data were presented using tables and graphs to portray the observed behavior and trends and to facilitate clear understanding. Regarding ethical and legal aspects, this study prioritized the respect and protection of the participants, guaranteeing their dignity and freedom per the relevant ethical and scientific foundations. Characterized as having minimal risk of discomfort or embarrassment, this study complied with the rules established by Resolution 446/2012 of the National Health Council (CNS), which regulates research involving human beings. All the adopted procedures followed the principles indicated in items III and IV of the resolution, ensuring transparency and ethics. In addition, the participants had the right to withdraw their consent at any time without prejudice or penalty, reinforcing the commitment to respecting their autonomy.
In the first stage of this research, a survey of private HEIs located in Ribeirão Preto/SP was carried out using the Google search tool. With the information obtained, contact was made with those responsible for WEEE management at each institution, presenting the aim of this study and requesting data collection. Those who agreed to participate provided their emails and WhatsApp contacts so that the Consent Form and the data collection questionnaire could be sent afterward.
3.3. Elaboration of WEEE Management Guidelines
After the data collection, WEEE management guidelines were made to support HEIs in implementing their sustainable policies. Firstly, the data collected were organized, and four categories of WEEE management were drawn up, relating to identification, control, and WEEE storage (category #1), training, dissemination, and incentives for the proper disposal of WEEE (category #2), actions to increase the useful life of electronic equipment (category #3), and actions for the environmentally appropriate of unserviceable EEE disposal (category #4). Next, recommendations were established based on crucial observations to achieve the central objective of each category based on the information collected through the questionnaires applied.
4. Results and Discussion
4.1. Information About the Participants
All interviewees have higher education qualifications in IT and work in management positions. We also identified the length of time the interviewees have worked at the HEIs. It is clear from the results that the IT management positions include people who have been with the HEIs for a long time; three have been with a company for more than 15 years, and only one has been with an HEI for six years.
Studies from US universities point to strategies for increasing employee retention at HEIs [24]. As demonstrated by Towns [24], communication and work–life balance are crucial factors to consider. The author emphasizes that employees who are satisfied with their workplace tend to invest more in the organization’s goals and values. In addition to salary appreciation, other factors contribute to minimizing employee turnover at HEIs. However, this research found that the employees of the Ribeirão Preto HEIs differ from those of the US universities since all the employees who took part in this study have been at the HEIs for a significant period [24].
4.2. HEI Environmental Sustainability Guidelines and Employee Awareness of NSWP and Reverse Logistics
The opinions of those interviewed on the need to implement environmental sustainability guidelines and measures in private HEIs were unanimous. The comments emphasized that since HEIs train responsible citizens concerned about preserving the environment, any sustainable practice they adopt will be an example to students and employees.
The second question shows that only one HEI has guidelines for managing WEEE. If the guidelines’ existence was affirmative, we asked about the perception of the proportion of employees who are familiar with them. The only participant who reported having internal policies said that between 0 and 25% of employees were aware of them. In the comments field, the interviewee also said that only the IT department and employees in the property department are aware of WEEE management policies.
When asked if publicizing and implementing environmental sustainability practices at the HEI could help raise awareness among employees and students about the issue’s importance, all the participants said yes. In the comments field, the interviewees said that raising awareness among staff and students is the best way, as it awakens a sense of responsibility toward the environment.
The question illustrated in Figure 3 shows that all the participants believe it is important to address issues relating to environmental sustainability from primary to higher education, with 50% classifying it as “very important” and 50% as indispensable.
In their considerations, they emphasized that addressing issues related to sustainability, preservation, and responsibility toward the environment from an early age can help to form citizens who are aware of the importance of natural resources and guarantee the continuity of the planet.
In the next question (Figure 4), the interviewees rated the degree of attention given by the HEI they represent to the problem of internal solid waste generation. It can be seen that none of the HEIs treat the issue with the same seriousness. Each interviewee gave a different answer: very low, low, fair, high, and very high.
The opinions reported in the comments field indicate that there are concerns about the correct disposal of electronic waste. However, there is a lack of attention to the storage and disposal of equipment such as fans, air conditioning, and various types of office and laboratory equipment, among others. The interviewees mentioned small actions carried out by HEIs, such as collecting batteries for return to manufacturers or buying them on an exchange basis and disposing of IT waste to companies that reuse parts or give it the right destination. However, these practices should be extended to all types of equipment used at the HEIs.
When asked if they were aware of the SWNP, half of the interviewees confirmed they were familiar with it. Those who were aware indicated that their knowledge was average. Respondents were also asked about their knowledge of the sectoral agreement, shared management, and reverse logistics. In this regard, 75% reported being aware of the issues raised, but the same 75% admitted to having a low level of knowledge on the subject.
When asked about the socio-environmental impacts of improper electronic waste disposal, all the participants confirmed their awareness. However, in the comments field, three interviewees said their knowledge was limited to environmental contamination and irreparable damage caused by incorrect disposal. As stated by Mohammed [25], it is the government’s responsibility to educate the public about their responsibilities and to raise awareness about the health and environmental impacts of improper e-waste disposal. A lack of understanding contributes to limited consumer engagement in reusing and efficiently recycling products. The last question in the second part of the questionnaire emphasized the interviewees’ attitudes outside the workplace. It asked whether they dispose of the WEEE generated in their homes in an environmentally appropriate way. All the participants confirmed that they disposed of it properly. In the comments field, the participants emphasized that waste batteries are disposed of at collection points. We should note that there is a collection point for electrical and electronic equipment in the neighborhood where one of the interviewees lives. At the same time, another mentioned that depending on the equipment condition, it is left next to the rubbish dump so that collectors can reuse it or sell it as scrap.
Consumer behavior with reference to WEEE reuse was identified by Monteiro [26] in a Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, upper-middle-class neighborhood. In addition to assessing consumer behavior, the study sought to analyze consumer attitudes toward correctly disposing of WEEE and to check whether consumers intend to recycle and reuse EEE. The data collected revealed that all the participants said they would dispose of their EEE at a collection point if they knew of its existence and location. All agreed that if the equipment worked perfectly, had only been used for a short time, had a low price, looked good, and was of good quality, these criteria would influence them to buy used electrical and electronic equipment. There is a similarity between the results achieved by Monteiro [26] and the data collected in this study, as everyone was receptive to the idea of environmentally appropriate disposal. It is also clear that there is a need to create new WEEE collection points and ensure that information about their existence reaches society.
The research by Ahirwar and Tripathi [27] found that in most countries, household electronic waste is managed in three main ways: disposal in rubbish dumps, formal collection by government agencies, and informal collection by resellers and independent companies. Formal recycling, carried out by authorized collection points, uses advanced technologies to remove hazardous and valuable materials safely. Informal recycling, carried out by independent companies, uses rudimentary and inadequate methods without any provisions to reduce the emission of hazardous chemicals into the environment. WEEE disposed of in landfill sites or sold to informal traders can contaminate the soil, groundwater, and surrounding ecosystems due to leaching and the emission of pollutants. The authors also emphasized that formal recycling is the safest form of e-waste management.
4.3. Interviewees’ Thoughts on WEEE Management
Some participants emphasized that their departments store and dispose of unserviceable IT equipment. Although there is no specific policy for disposal, they act with ecological awareness. Then, this study identified how HEIs dispose of unserviceable EEE and what process is carried out before disposal. Only one of the interviewees said that the HEI did not move the equipment between sectors, and the HEI did not reuse the parts. In other words, when the equipment no longer meets its purchased needs, it is collected by a company for disposal. The other interviewees pointed out that, when possible, the HEI relocates the equipment to meet the demands it can fulfill. Otherwise, the HEI stores the equipment for disposal. After collecting a quantity of unusable equipment, the HEI maps companies that collect WEEE. Once the company has been chosen, arrangements are made for the waste to be collected.
The last question in this context sought to identify whether the COVID-19 pandemic had influenced IT investments at the HEIs investigated. For all the interviewees, the pandemic has impacted the investments made by the HEIs. We should emphasize that it was necessary to focus on IT investments to maintain their academic and administrative activities. According to Gusso et al. [28], HEIs worldwide have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. For them, the difficulties and limitations imposed by the situation resulting from the pandemic significantly influenced the educational context. Also, according to Gusso et al. [28], to maintain their academic activities, HEIs have had to adopt tools such as Skype, Zoom, YouTube, Hangout, and Meet, among others, and consequently spend financial resources on training their teaching staff. In technology-mediated teaching, not all teachers and students have adequate technological resources (computers, webcams, headsets, others) and Internet access to enable interaction between students, teachers, and HEIs. By correlating the quotes by Gusso et al. [28] with the results of this study, we see that in addition to investing in academic activities, HEIs have had to purchase equipment aimed at remote working so that administrative staff can maintain their activities.
4.4. Technological Park of the HEIs Researched
Table 1 shows the quantity of the main technological equipment in the HEIs surveyed. It can be seen that the number of printers and copying equipment does not keep pace with the computer numbers because they are devices connected to the network that many users can use. The equipment classified as other are radio communicators, turnstiles, time clocks, speakers, lego kits, and UPSs.
Figure 5 shows the number of EEE purchased over the last three years. It is clear that in 2019, the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the technological equipment acquisition at the HEIs was higher than in the following years. In 2020, the year of the SARS-CoV-2 virus spread, there was a reduction compared to the previous year, but it was still higher than in 2021.
Table 2 shows the average amount of equipment disposed of annually by the HEIs as electronic waste. We can see that none of the HEIs disposed of printers or copying equipment because, according to the interviewees, this type of equipment is used as outsourced equipment.
By analyzing the information in Table 1 and Table 2, we drew up Table 3, calculating the average useful life of the leading IT equipment surveyed in this study. To do this, it was necessary to relate the equipment amount (Table 1) with the information on total discards (Table 2). In this way, it was possible to calculate the percentage of items discarded annually and the average useful life of this equipment. The rate was calculated by multiplying the discard number by 100, divided by the equipment sum in the HEIs. The average useful life was calculated by dividing the total number of existing equipment units by the annual number of items discarded.
The analysis showed that computer equipment (including notebooks, netbooks, and desktops) typically has a lifespan of six years. This category of equipment is disposed of more frequently compared to the others listed in Table 2, primarily due to its shorter useful lifespan (see Table 3). The other types of equipment analyzed were telephone handsets and tablets. It is important to note that while these devices may be 13 years old according to the calculation, the specific models and their technological advancements should be taken into consideration. Digital devices, which require software updates and allow for the installation of new applications, often become obsolete when they can no longer support upgrades or lack sufficient storage to run new apps. However, analog equipment, such as telephone handsets, has a lifespan equal to the average lifespan shown in Table 3.
Concerning network equipment, the average useful life is 14 years. The final item listed in Table 3 refers to multimedia equipment, which, according to the calculations, has a relatively long useful life of 20 years.
In the question that sought to identify in which area of technology the HEIs surveyed concentrated their investments in the last three years, we found that there were more investments in equipment called “other” (equipment for videoconferencing, including projectors, webcams, headphones/headsets, and televisions); in second place, there were investments in hardware. This classification was due to the equipment acquisition that supports home office work. This investment is related to the item in first place; the answers from the interviewees indicated that there was a similar investment in the expansion of Internet links and software, coming in third place.
The last question points out that more than 50% of the EEE used by HEIs is concentrated in computer labs or similar, followed by administrative areas, with approximately 35%, and academic support areas, such as course secretariats, call centers, among others, with between 10% and 15% of the equipment.
4.5. WEEE Management Guidelines
After analyzing the interviewees’ responses, 18 guidelines were drawn up to help private HEIs create internal policies to improve the disposal of the WEEE generated. The guidelines presented in Table 4 were formulated based on the results obtained from the survey, the literature review, and current national legislation. The Table is subdivided into four categories: (i) identifying, controlling, and storing WEEE; (ii) training, publicizing, and encouraging the environmentally correct disposal of WEEE; (iii) actions to extend the life of equipment; and (iv) actions for the environmentally appropriate disposal of unserviceable EEE.
A study conducted in the United Kingdom emphasizes the importance of reducing waste from electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) in landfills. It suggests that extending the lifespan of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) and improving WEEE collection are effective strategies for minimizing landfill waste. However, increasing reuse, recycling, and recovery has shown to have little impact, especially when considering the additional WEEE generated from recycling and recovery activities [29]. In this context, the guidelines proposed in this paper to extend the lifespan of EEE and improve WEEE collection are crucial for enhancing the circularity of e-waste. These guidelines include planning for the acquisition of equipment that allows for upgrades and scheduling preventive maintenance for technological assets.
Some authors discuss strategies in the literature to improve the collection and recycling of these materials. Some possible actions that can be taken in addition to raising awareness about e-waste management include enacting laws to practice and adopt e-waste management, establishing central command and management institutes to oversee all e-waste management bodies, providing financial assistance to informal e-waste collectors and recyclers, and incorporating e-waste management into school curricula [30]. In a study by Karuppiah and Sankaranarayanan, the challenges and potential mitigation strategies for e-waste management using a novel multi-criteria decision-making approach were discussed. Their analysis identified several critical challenges, including a booming informal sector, illegal e-waste imports, the lack of technical expertise, the absence of recycling guidelines, and inadequate data inventory. The optimal mitigation strategy was establishing government infrastructure for modern e-waste management, promoting the development of value-added products from e-waste, and creating a closed-loop supply chain network [31].
The study conducted by Sakhre et al. in Kerala, India, developed an inventory and management strategy for e-waste, estimating generation based on the average lifespan of EEE by analyzing sales data from 2017 to 2020. The researchers proposed an environmental management plan that incorporates the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle. This plan includes establishing 78 collection units across the state and recommends the creation of 273 recycling units. The plan emphasizes efficient collection, segregation, and recycling of e-waste, promoting responsible consumption and resource conservation. Although the authors did not specify the lifespan of the assessed e-waste, they projected substantial quantities of e-waste over the next 5 to 10 years [32].
Another study conducted in the United Kingdom by Yazdi et al. (2024) highlighted a significant need to integrate manufacturers, societies, entrepreneurs, and technological innovations in the collection, disposal, and recycling processes to effectively manage sustainable e-waste operations within circular economy models. They found that it is essential for decision-makers to consider factors such as “Environmental Management Systems”, “Reduction of Landfill Practices”, and “Intentional Prevention of Repair” when developing an e-waste operation management strategy [33]. The absence of such plans can lead to institutional voids affecting entrepreneurial activities, which in turn impacts the development of circular ecosystems in resource-constrained contexts, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
For instance, a study conducted in Kenya demonstrated that these institutional voids could create opportunities for informal and private actors to establish businesses focused on e-waste collection, repair, remanufacturing, and recycling, thereby promoting the emergence of a circular ecosystem. However, gaps in the labor market, capital market, product market, regulatory frameworks, and contract enforcement pose challenges to their growth. Specifically, deficiencies in skills, equipment, guidelines, and financial incentives limit the potential for advanced repair and remanufacturing, as well as recycling opportunities. Additionally, the lack of formal e-waste infrastructure leads to increased illegal dumping, which poses significant risks to both human health and the environment [34].
Actions such as periodically surveying the equipment stock that is no longer in use can speed up the reuse of parts and accessories for other equipment that is sometimes awaiting compatible parts for maintenance, contributing to HEI survival. Storing electronic equipment for future use requires certain precautions, as it contains potentially toxic metals that harm the environment and humans.
A study conducted in Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brazil’s metropolitan region, measured the presence of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in WEEE samples. These compounds have been widely used as additives in polymeric products, such as electronic and electrical equipment (EEE), to help meet fire safety regulations and have adverse health and environmental impacts on the environment. The study showed that 18 samples exceeded the European Union’s Low POP Content Limit (LPCL) of 1000 mg/kg [35]. According to Ramprasad et al. [36], improper disposal of WEEE and inadequate handling and recycling pose severe risks to both the environment and human health. The authors emphasized that in addition to proper disposal, efficient processing of this waste is essential, as incorrect practices can lead to the accumulation of toxic metals, the emission of harmful gases, the loss of biodiversity, and waste disposal methods that can negatively impact ecosystems and contribute to global warming. For them, recycling WEEE presents a significant challenge, as insufficient enforcement of environmental legislation limits the effectiveness of these initiatives. The authors emphasized the need to raise awareness among both consumers and producers about the responsible disposal of electronic equipment, using campaigns, advertisements, and educational tools that target all levels of society. In addition, they advocated for adopting a circular economy approach, replacing the traditional linear model with a continuous cycle that maximizes the life cycle of products and promotes more sustainable and efficient consumption patterns [36].
The circular economy is a sustainable development model that replaces the traditional linear economic model that relies heavily on resource consumption and waste generation [37]. Understanding the customer attitudes toward the circular economy in the e-waste context is essential to improve the sustainability and recycling of these materials, as recycled and remanufactured products need acceptance from end consumers. Regarding the two concepts, sustainability and CE (circular economy), the introduction of sustainability can often be functional in better understanding the CE and professionals’ perceptions of its related benefits. In the literature, the concept of sustainability, especially from a social perspective, frequently appears in place of the CE [38].
From this perspective, a study investigated the criteria influencing user behavior regarding electronic waste recycling. The primary objective was to compare the perceptions of students and academic experts concerning electronic waste. The results revealed that individuals with strong pro-social attitudes were more aware of the need to recycle electronic waste. Moreover, those who disposed of waste properly at specialized centers demonstrated greater awareness of the importance of recycling. The study underscores the importance of enhancing group-level awareness to promote electronic waste disposal as a social norm [39].
A study conducted in Europe showed a substantial gap between the amount of WEEE (waste electrical and electronic equipment) generated and collected in the European Union. Using an online survey aimed at assessing students’ attitudes toward purchasing/replacing products and their openness to circular practices (i.e., recycling, refurbishing, reusing), the authors showed that (a) new products dominate the market share, (b) reliability and quality are the most important factors influencing purchasing decisions across all product categories, and (c) students do not recognize the value of circular products in any category. The results suggest that an effective waste management strategy also requires a behavioral shift among individuals to ensure its adoption [40]. In the same way, an exploratory study in East and Southeast Asia showed that consumer acceptance of recycled and remanufactured products in Asia is low due to their concern about reliability and quality [41]. These factors reinforce the importance of customer environmental education, focusing on economic, social, and environmental sustainability as one of the pillars of adequate waste electrical and electronic equipment management.
By adopting circular economy principles, such as restorative and regenerative processes, it becomes feasible to transform waste into valuable resources. This approach not only contributes to job creation in the e-waste recycling sector but also promotes sustainable practices and safe disposal methods. It replaces the traditional end-of-life concept with a focus on restoration and regeneration, emphasizing the value of materials throughout their life cycles. Additionally, a circular economy approach facilitates the integration of renewable energy sources and the elimination of toxic chemicals, which enhances the potential for reusing materials and returning them to the biosphere. This strategy reduces environmental impacts while providing economic benefits through improved design of materials, products, systems, and business models. These findings underscore the importance of promoting and supporting e-waste recycling initiatives. It is crucial to encourage the responsible disposal of electronic devices and to raise awareness about the benefits of recycling. By increasing the number of recycling facilities and enhancing recycling infrastructure, we can effectively tackle the growing e-waste challenge and contribute to a more sustainable future [42]. In this context, two additional categories of guidelines were created that focus on training, publicizing, and encouraging the environmentally correct disposal of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and actions for the environmentally appropriate disposal of non-functional electrical and electronic equipment (EEE).
To transition toward a circular economy, it is essential to identify the barriers that hinder effective e-waste management. The key obstacles include a lack of incentives, insufficient customer awareness regarding the circular economy, and an absence of supportive government policies [43]. These challenges are not only relevant in India (location of the study) but can also be observed globally, including in Brazil and other regions. The formal recycling of e-waste, guided by circular economy principles and zero-discharge approaches, presents potential solutions to this pressing issue. However, implementing a circular economy for e-waste management raises concerns about environmental impacts due to chemical usage and energy consumption, as earlier discussed. To address these concerns, advanced sustainability assessment tools such as life cycle assessment (LCA) could be applied to explore e-waste management strategies, as discussed by He et al. (2024). LCA can provide valuable insights for decision-making processes and policies related to e-waste management, thereby promoting environmentally sound recycling practices. However, the accuracy of LCA results in the context of e-waste recycling remains contentious due to challenges such as data requirements, subjectivity, impact category weighting, and other factors. The existing literature on LCA in e-waste management shows significant variability in its implementation, leading to diverse outcomes and findings within the field [44].
It is of the utmost importance to implement a WEEE management system that allows centralized control of the equipment available, with information on the date of collection and destruction, which provides information on the department in which the EEE was allocated, assets, and the reason why it is being destroyed, among other details, making it possible to generate efficient management reports, with quantitative information on the reuse and recycling of parts.
It is worth emphasizing the importance of purchasing upgradable equipment to extend its useful life. Frequent actions, such as preventive maintenance, are crucial for extending the durability of EEE. According to Almeida [45], preventive maintenance helps extend the lifespan of components and equipment, thereby preventing unexpected downtime and avoiding unplanned expenses.
HEIs must promote sustainable practice dissemination to foster ecological awareness among students, employees, and society, as well as implement training programs on the disposal of unserviceable EEE and current WEEE management legislation. Dissemination fosters natural learning rather than forcing it, allowing people to recognize the benefits of actions aimed at improving the environment and society [46].
While the dissemination of sustainable practices raises awareness among students, employees, and society, communicating rules within HEIs ensures that the message becomes commonplace among its employees, consolidating compliance with the institution’s standards, ethical conduct, and values [47]. Therefore, HEIs must establish internal communication channels to ensure that everyone is aware of the WEEE management guidelines.
Internal communication aims to keep company employees informed and is vital for the development and survival of organizations. Proper communication ensures the exchange of reliable information with everyone in the organization and generates greater commitment, contributing to business development [47]. From this perspective, we believe that internal communication contributes to everyone feeling engaged with the HEI’s strategies and actively participating in its sustainable initiatives.
Some practices and actions adopted by HEIs are essential to reduce the inappropriate disposal of WEEE, such as including the participation of manufacturers, distributors, and traders in the reverse logistics of equipment marketed, distributed, and manufactured by them in purchasing processes and establishing partnerships with responsible collection companies and with companies that buy equipment to reuse it, thus making it possible to return part of what was invested at the time of purchase.
5. Conclusions
Even though most of the employees involved in disposing of unserviceable EEE demonstrate ecological awareness, there still remains a need for guidelines to aid HEIs in creating internal policies for managing the WEEE they generate. Although HEIs are concerned about WEEE management, there is room for improving sustainability practices and awareness dissemination. The information can foster a sense of shared responsibility, encouraging the environmentally appropriate disposal of EEE for personal or residential use.
With the information obtained during data collection, it was possible to present comparative data on EEE acquisition and WEEE generation, present the current situation of WEEE management, and show employees’ knowledge of the current legislation. This information allowed for the drawing up of guidelines to support HEIs in creating internal policies to improve the WEEE management processes. Among the guidelines drawn up, we emphasized the importance of creating an appropriate environment for storing WEEE, avoiding accumulation in inappropriate places; the need to implement a control system for managing unserviceable equipment, providing support for decision-making on disposal, relocation, and reuse of parts; and the importance of giving greater visibility to the actions of environmental sustainability practices existing at the HEI. Making sustainable actions and practices visible will help foster a sense of responsibility toward the environment.
The guidelines for extending the useful life of electrical and electronic equipment highlighted actions for planning equipment acquisition that allows for upgrades and for scheduling preventive maintenance of the technology park. These actions extend the useful life of the equipment and prevent unscheduled downtime, providing a more cost-effective alternative to purchasing new equipment. In the group that addresses actions for the environmentally appropriate disposal of unserviceable electronic equipment, we emphasized the importance of including reverse logistics in contracts to purchase electrical and electronic equipment. This practice aligns with the NSWP, which assigns responsibility to manufacturers, distributors, and retailers.
Encouraging discussions among governments, manufacturers, and retailers is imperative to provide information on the environmental impacts caused by the incorrect disposal of WEEE.
Conceptualization, R.M.B. and E.C.C.; methodology, R.M.B., L.S. and E.C.C.; validation, E.C.C., G.S.Z., R.B.-S., I.A.L.I., M.T.S. and L.S.; formal analysis, R.M.B., G.S.Z., R.B.-S., I.A.L.I., M.T.S. and L.S.; investigation, R.M.B., G.S.Z., R.B.-S., I.A.L.I., M.T.S. and L.S.; resources, L.S., E.C.C. and M.T.S.; data curation, G.S.Z., R.B.-S., I.A.L.I., M.T.S., L.S. and E.C.C.; writing—original draft preparation, R.M.B.; writing—review and editing, E.C.C., M.T.S., L.S., G.S.Z., R.B.-S. and I.A.L.I.; supervision, L.S. and E.C.C.; project administration, E.C.C. and L.S.; funding acquisition, E.C.C. and L.S. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
This study was submitted to and approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the University of Ribeirão Preto under CAAE No. 1677821.9.0000.54.98.
Informed consent was obtained from all subjects involved in the study.
Data is contained within the article.
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
Footnotes
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Enlarge this image.Figure 1. Co-occurrence of keywords related to e-waste management, as identified in the Web of Knowledge platform using VOSviewer software version 1.6.20, highlighting (a) the different clusters identified by distinct colors, each with a specific focus, and (b) the blue cluster, which emphasizes recycling behavior in the context of e-waste.
Enlarge this image.Figure 3. Classification of the importance of the approach to environmental sustainability from primary to higher education in the view of the interviewees.
Number of EEE in the HEIs.
| Description of Equipment | Quantities | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50–100 | 100–300 | 300–500 | 500–1000 | >1000 | |
| Computers (notebooks, netbooks, and desktops) | - | - | 1 | - | 3 |
| Phones and tablets | 1 | - | 2 | - | 1 |
| Printers and copying equipment | 2 | 1 | 1 | - | |
| Network equipment | 1 | 2 | - | - | 1 |
| Multimedia equipment (webcam, projector, headset, or headphones) | - | 2 | - | 1 | 1 |
| Other | 2 | 1 | - | - | 1 |
Average amount of WEEE disposed of annually by HEIs.
| Description of Equipment | HEI 01 | HEI 02 | HEI 03 | HEI 04 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computers | 30 | 200 | 150 | 150 | 530 |
| Phones and tablets | 10 | 100 | 30 | 0 | 140 |
| Printers and copying equipment | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Network equipment | 5 | 50 | 3 | 50 | 108 |
| Multimedia equipment (webcam, projector, headset, or headphones) | 0 | 100 | 7 | 0 | 107 |
| Other | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
Average useful life of IT equipment.
| Description of Equipment | Number of Existing EEE | Discarded | % of Annual Waste | Average Useful Life (Years) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computers (notebooks, netbooks, and desktops) | 3400 | 530 | 15.6 | 6 |
| Phones and tablets | 1875 | 140 | 7.5 | 13 |
| Printers and copying equipment | 750 | - | - | - |
| Network equipment | 1475 | 108 | 7.3 | 14 |
| Multimedia equipment | 2150 | 107 | 5.0 | 20 |
Guidelines to support WEEE management in HEIs.
| Category | Guideline | Observation(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Identification, control, and storage of WEEE | Periodically carry out a survey of unused EEE with the sectors/departments. | Avoid unnecessary accumulation of unused equipment and optimize collection actions. |
| Create a suitable environment for storing WEEE. | Allowing equipment available for reuse to be located in a centralized location and avoiding the accumulation of equipment in inappropriate places. | |
| Keeping track of unserviceable EEE that is being stored for sorting or disposal. | The information gathered for control can help in the sorting process for reusing, repurposing, and disposing of available equipment. | |
| Build/implement a suitable environment for storing EEE, such as fans, air conditioners, fridges, or similar equipment used in teaching laboratories. | Implementing a suitable environment can help minimize the storage of EEE in inappropriate places. | |
| Implement a control system for the management of unserviceable EEE. | An information system will allow centralized control of EEE and WEEE at the HEI. | |
| Training, publicizing, and encouraging the environmentally correct disposal of WEEE | Provide greater visibility for the environmental sustainability practices at the HEI. | Making sustainable actions and practices visible will help foster a sense of responsibility toward the environment and minimize the incorrect disposal of WEEE generated outside the institution. |
| Implement programs to train employees and students in sustainability and preserving natural resources. | Training on the disposal of unserviceable EEE and current legislation (NSWP, reverse logistics, and sector agreements, among others). | |
| Disseminate the existence of the guidelines for the management of unserviceable EEE. | Educating HEI employees about the existence of guidelines will contribute to the correct disposal of unusable EEE. | |
| Create mechanisms for all HEI sectors to visualize their importance in the reverse logistics process for solid waste generated by the HEI. | Ensure that everyone at the HEI is aware of how essential their participation is to the smooth running of the sustainable practices adopted by the institution. | |
| Actions to extend the life of equipment | Control the amount of equivalent equipment (of the same model) in the HEI to measure the possibility of reusing parts and/or accessories. | Avoid the accumulation of equipment, parts, and accessories that will not be reused. |
| Relocate equipment that does not serve certain areas but can be used in other areas of the institution. | Reusing EEE in other areas will reduce unnecessary spending on new equipment. | |
| Quantify the number of EEEs that are relocated or reused or parts that are reused. | It makes it possible to create an indicator demonstrating efforts to minimize unnecessary investments. | |
| Plan the acquisition of upgradeable equipment. | Extends the useful life of equipment more cost-effectively than buying new. | |
| Program preventive maintenance of the technology park. | In addition to extending the life of the equipment, it prevents unscheduled downtime. | |
| Regulate the use of available equipment for the development of academic activities. | It offers extracurricular courses such as hardware maintenance, computer networking, and robotics. | |
| Actions for the environmentally appropriate disposal of unserviceable EEE | Include reverse logistics in contracts for the purchase of electrical and electronic equipment. | Commit manufacturers, distributors, and dealers to the life cycle of the equipment they sell. |
| Cataloguing EEE that does not meet the HEI’s needs but can be sold to collection companies as reusable equipment. | It makes it possible to revert part of the amount spent on the acquisition to new investments. | |
| Establish a partnership with collection companies so that they remove EEE and WEEE with less frequently and issue a certificate of environmental responsibility. | Although the HEI does not carry out the final disposal, it is responsible for the actions of the collection company. |
Supplementary Materials
The following supporting information can be downloaded at
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; Isadora Alves Lovo Ismail 1
; Marcelo Tramontin Souza 2
; Simão, Lisandro 1
; Carita, Edilson Carlos 1
1 Postgraduate Program in Environmental Technology, University of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto 14096-900, Brazil;
2 Graduate Program in Science, Innovation, and Modeling in Materials (PROCIMM), State University of Santa Cruz (UESC), Ilhéus 45662-900, Brazil;