Assessing the current ICT waste management strategies among consumers: an empirical study for Windhoek, Namibia

Abstract There is limited recognized Information and Communication Technology (ICT) waste management practices for waste printers, ink, and toner cartridges in Windhoek. The inappropriate management of ICT waste is detrimental to human health and environment. The aim of the study was to determine the status of management strategies of waste printers, ink, and toner cartridges in Windhoek, and develop a framework on ICT waste management techniques within the municipality, including critical stakeholders. Data was obtained from 60 respondents through structured questionnaires and open-ended questionnaires distributed to target groups. A comprehensive multivariate statistical procedure, including partial least squares structural equation, was employed. The findings highlight that management has a significant positive relationship with the management practices of ICT waste, with a t -value of 1.326 and a P value of 0.093. There is a significant positive influence of disposal on management and awareness of management of ICT waste. Consumption has a significant effect on the management of ICT waste, but has the lowest path coefficient. The partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM) was used to analyze complex relationships between variables. The highest cumulative percentage of selected variables was 81.43%, with different eigenvalues and percentage variance from nine selected components. The reduced model showed a path coefficient of 0.200, which emphasizes a positive relationship between the independent variable and the latent dependent variable. The model had an R 2 value of 4%, indicating variations in the overall quality of the waste management process. The extended model showed a substantial R 2 value of 41.9%, and management had the highest path coefficient of 0.516. The path coefficients indicate a positive relationship between latent independent variables and dependent variables. It is suggested that the proposed model should be used to address management challenges of ICT waste. The model should provide strategic directions in ICT waste management and foster the adoption of sustainable oriented solutions.