Knowledge, behaviour, awareness and policy towards E-Waste management perfomance among SMEs in Nothern Region of Malaysia

Electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) is made up of abandoned gadgets that pose health and environmental risks because of their toxic contents which emphasises the urgent need for appropriate treatment procedures on a worldwide scale. The issues are urbanisation, population growth, and technological advancements, along with a lack of knowledge, behaviour, awareness, policy and appropriate e-waste management practices, increase the risks to human health and the environment, especially Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) with limited resources and recycling programmes. The purpose of this study is to conduct a detailed investigation and analysis of the knowledge, behaviour, awareness, and policy elements that affect the performance of SMEs in managing e-waste performance in the northern region of Malaysia. Utilising a quantitative study methodology, data gathered from 400 SMEs in Pulau Pinang, Kedah, and Perlis is analysed. Perak is not included in this because it is far from the researcher place which is in UUM, Kedah and due budget and time limitation. The analysis is based on the diffusion of innovation and behavioural reasoning theories. The results show a substantial positive link between e-waste management performance and knowledge, behaviour, awareness, and policy. According to analysis, these variables account for about half of the variation in e-waste management performance, with policy having the largest impact. The study emphasises the significance of all-encompassing approaches that promote sustainable e-waste management practices. These approaches should include information distribution, behavioural modification, increased awareness, and supporting policy frameworks. Through the clarification of the complex nature of efficacious strategies and the resolution of SMEs' obstacles, this study advances environmental sustainability and regulatory adherence within the e-waste ecosystem. Businesses, scholars, and governments looking to enhance e-waste management in northern region of Malaysia and comparable settings throughout the globe might benefit greatly from its insights