During the 2024 Autumn, the Centre member-Dr Xuan FENG, Associate Professor in Human Resource Management and Organisational Behavior at Nottingham University Business School China, as well as this E-waste Project Leader, along with the two Centre members, Dr Eric Evans Osei Opoku, Assistant Professor in Economics and Dr Jin'an Shao, Assistant Professor in Supply Chain Management at the Business School, conducted a research survey and the final report, which has been released online. The report analysed students' E-waste disposal and recycling behaviours and proposing strategies to improve on-campus E-waste management.

The survey sample included nearly a thousand faculty and students, covering the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (36.7%), the Nottingham University Business School China (42.54%), the Faculty of Science and Engineering (21.38%), and other groups (doctoral students 4.43%, faculty/alumni 2.41%).

The research findings are analyzed from the following aspects:

(For the details of research findings, please refer to the On-campus E-Waste Project and find the project report to download.)

I. Current Status of Campus E-waste

>Primary Sources of E-waste at UNNC

>Understanding of E-Waste Disposal and Recycling Practices among Students

>Students' Behaviors Regarding E-waste Disposal and Recycling

II. Challenges Associated with E-waste Disposal and Recycling at UNNC

>Individual-level Challenges in E-waste Disposal and Recycling

>University-level Challenges for E-waste Disposal and Recycling

III. Factors Influencing Students' E-waste Disposal and Recycling Engagement

IV. Suggested Actions

(1) Upgrade of the E-waste Management Infrastructure

E-waste recycling stations are set up in areas with high foot traffic within the campus (such as libraries, academic buildings, and dormitory areas) to increase the convenience of recycling. The following figure shows the four preferred locations chosen by students for the disposal and recycling of electronic waste.

(2) Establishment of an E-waste Management Framework to Promote a Circular Economy on Campus

Establish an E-waste management framework to promote a circular economy within the campus, helping students clearly understand the purpose of E-waste treatment and recycling as well as the process after recycling, thereby encouraging students to actively participate in the recycling and management of E-waste.

Promote the widespread education, focusing on practice-oriented educational activities, and collaborate with experts who have rich research and practical experience, as well as government management agencies. Through public lectures, corporate visits, project practices, and competitions, help students acquire theoretical knowledge of E-waste lifecycle management, practical experience, and innovative abilities to solve electronic waste issues, enabling students to deeply understand the integration of theory and practice in the field of E-waste management and the circular economy.

(3) Creation of an Official University Digital Platform Dedicated to E-waste Management and Circular Economy

Create a digital platform focused on E-waste management and the circular economy, aimed at facilitating knowledge dissemination, remote collaboration, and inspiring innovation. This platform will encourage students to collaborate across regions, jointly planning and implementing initiatives, projects, and plans focused on E-Waste Management, further advancing the innovative development of the circular economy.

Throughout this journey of exploring E-waste management, the project has taken significant strides in raising awareness of the issue on campus. From initial surveys and research to the dissemination of educational concepts, followed by open-day outreach for public education, and culminating in the release of the UNNC Report on Students' Behaviour toward E-waste Disposal and Recycling alongside practical recommendations, this series of actions has significantly heightened the awareness of UNNC students and staff to the challenges of E-waste.

The project has not only equipped students and staff with knowledge about E-waste disposal but has also introduced scientific E-waste management concepts and measures to the campus, offering valuable constructive suggestions. More importantly, it has planted the seeds of sustainable development in the hearts and minds of the university members, becoming a driving force in UNNC's mission to build a "No-Waste Campus" and injecting lasting vitality into the institution's environmental protection efforts.

Looking ahead, the centre will continue to deliver more sustainability-focused education and practical activities on campus, committed to inspiring and engaging more members of the UNNC community to participate in this collective effort. Together, they aim to contribute to the broader vision of sustainable development.

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