Environmental Behavior Driving Household E-Waste Recycling in Emerging Urban Contexts

Rapid electronic waste (e-waste) accumulation poses a critical challenge for urban sustainability in emerging economies. However, few studies have examined what motivates households to actively participate in formal disposal systems, particularly in contexts where infrastructure remains limited. This study investigates the determinants of e-waste recycling intention and behavior in Surabaya, Indonesia. A total of 168 active recyclers are surveyed and analyzed using structural equation modeling and importance–performance mapping. The findings reveal that awareness of environmental consequences significantly influences both recycling intention and actual behavior. Interestingly, while the perceived cost of recycling significantly shapes residents’ intention to participate, it does not translate into a significant effect on their actual recycling behavior. Similarly, the convenience of recycling services shows no significant influence on either intention or behavior. Mediation analysis confirms that environmental awareness indirectly shapes recycling behavior through its effect on intention. These findings suggest that, among early adopters of formal e-waste recycling in a developing-country context, cognitive drivers such as awareness outweigh structural barriers like cost and convenience in shaping long-term recycling engagement. For policymakers, this underscores the importance of highlighting awareness of e-waste impacts and the benefits of proper recycling, alongside efforts to remove physical and financial barriers for broader segments of the population.