Smartphone Usage and E-Waste in Denmark: Understanding Consumer Behaviour, Recycling Practices, and the Market for Refurbished Phones.
Authors
Shuvo, Tanvir Ahamed ; Thangavelu, Krishnagoby
Term
4. Semester
Publication year
2024
Abstract
This thesis investigates smartphone use, e-waste practices, and the market for refurbished phones in Denmark, asking why only a small share of users recycle their devices and why many prefer new phones over refurbished alternatives. The study combines a literature review on e-waste, regulation, corporate initiatives, and consumer behavior with a conceptual framework, an in-depth interview with the Danish refurbisher GreenMind, and a quantitative survey of smartphone users in Denmark. The analysis examines awareness of e-waste and recycling, perceived quality and warranty of refurbished devices, privacy and data security concerns, available collection options and incentives, and preferences for new versus refurbished models. The findings highlight illegal exports of e-waste that harm developing countries, the potential of refurbishment to support circular consumption and reduce environmental impacts, and gaps in consumer awareness, regulation, and accessible collection points. The study also points to opportunities to build international business around used and refurbished smartphones. The results offer insights for policymakers and firms on strengthening take-back systems, consumer information, and trust in refurbishment to advance sustainability.
Dette speciale undersøger smartphonebrug, håndtering af elektronikaffald og markedet for refurbished telefoner i Danmark og spørger, hvorfor kun få brugere afleverer deres enheder til genanvendelse, og hvorfor mange foretrækker nye frem for refurbished. Studiet kombinerer et litteraturreview om e-affald, regulering, virksomheders initiativer og forbrugeradfærd med en konceptuel ramme, et dybdegående interview med den danske refurbisher GreenMind og en kvantitativ spørgeskemaundersøgelse blandt smartphonebrugere i Danmark. Analysen belyser kendskab til e-affald og genbrug/returordninger, oplevet kvalitet og garanti ved refurbished enheder, bekymringer om privatliv og datasikkerhed, tilgængelige indsamlingsmuligheder og incitamenter samt præferencer for nye versus refurbished modeller. Resultaterne fremhæver ulovlig eksport af e-affald, der skader udviklingslande, refurbishmentens potentiale til at understøtte cirkulært forbrug og reducere miljøbelastning, samt mangler i forbrugerbevidsthed, regulering og adgang til indsamlingspunkter. Studiet peger også på muligheder for at udvikle international forretning omkring brugte og refurbished smartphones. Konklusionerne giver indsigter til beslutningstagere og virksomheder om at styrke returordninger, forbrugerinformation og tillid til refurbishment for at fremme bæredygtighed.
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