Shared Responsibility: Actions of the Municipal Public Authority Regarding Electronic Waste Disposal

Abstract

The objective of this research was to analyze the responsibilities of the Municipal public authorities regarding the disposal of electronic waste. The research is characterized as exploratory descriptive. Seventy-two cities in the state of Minas Gerais with a population of 50,000 or more inhabitants were surveyed. The data were organized in an Excel spreadsheet, and the analyses were conducted using the free statistical software JASP. The analytical techniques employed included frequency analysis, correlation analysis, cross-tabulations, and non-parametric mean tests, as the variables did not show a normal distribution. It was identified that the majority of the municipalities analyzed have their own regulations related to solid waste management, covering approximately 98.61% of the total, corresponding to 71 municipalities. Of these municipalities, 93% (66) had an implemented Waste Collection and Treatment Project. Regarding the collection of electronic waste, it was found that approximately 41.27% of the municipalities made disclosures on their websites and official social media platforms. In contrast, about 59.72% of the municipalities did not provide accessible information. The sustainable management of electronic waste requires shared responsibility among governments, companies, and civil society. Specific legislation, collection projects, and cooperation between different actors are essential to minimize impacts on the environment and public health. Actions such as reverse logistics, more collection points, eco-efficiency, and public-private partnerships are necessary. The creation of specific legislation is also fundamental.