Development and Cross-Validated Psychometric Assessment of a Multidimensional Scale of Computer E-Waste Recycling Behavior in University Students: Evidence from a Circular Economy Framework

The rapid growth of computer e-waste poses significant environmental and resource-management challenges, particularly within university communities, where the use and replacement of electronic equipment are increasingly frequent. Although previous studies have examined general recycling awareness, participation, and e-waste management practices, there remains a lack of comprehensive and psychometrically validated instruments specifically designed to assess the multidimensional determinants of computer e-waste recycling behavior among university students. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and psychometrically validate a multidimensional Likert-type scale for assessing perceived individual and contextual determinants associated with computer e-waste recycling among university students. The novelty of the study lies in integrating five complementary dimensions—education, awareness and policy compliance; community participation; business and technological practices; innovation and technological adoption; and cultural and media influence—within a circular economy framework. An ex post facto instrumental design was employed. Data were collected through Google Forms from 385 university students selected by convenience sampling. Instrument development was informed by a Scopus-based literature review, from which an initial pool of 77 items was generated. Content validity was evaluated through expert judgment using Aiken’s V, and construct validity was examined through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses using SPSS 25 and AMOS 24. The final instrument comprised 28 items distributed across five dimensions. Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated a satisfactory model fit (RMSEA = 0.046, CFI = 0.951, TLI = 0.946), while reliability coefficients indicated adequate to excellent internal consistency, with Cronbach’s alpha values ranging from 0.763 to 0.899 across dimensions and an overall alpha of 0.985. These findings support the scale as a valid and reliable tool for assessing perceived individual, institutional, technological, social, and cultural determinants associated with computer e-waste recycling among university students. The instrument may assist higher education institutions in identifying dimensions in which students report comparatively less favorable perceptions, evaluating sustainability interventions, and supporting circular economy strategies aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 12.