Brought to you by Špela Flegar, RDA Podravje – Maribor
As part of the DiCE project, numerous workshops were held in October and November 2023 to engage various groups in discussions about electronic waste recycling, including more than 50 students from the University of Maribor. These students represented two faculties: Faculty of Arts (Geography) and Faculty of Economics and Business. Their insights, collected during the workshops, offer a revealing glimpse into the perspectives of young people on the recycling of medical e-waste, an increasingly relevant issue in today’s world.
Key findings on attitudes toward e-waste recycling
The students were presented with 22 statements related to electronic waste recycling, which they rated on a scale from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). The two statements receiving the highest agreement were “I find electronic waste returning sensible” and “I find electronic waste returning responsible.” These responses reflect a general understanding among students of the importance of e-waste management. In contrast, statements like “I use the manufacturer’s helpline for returning electronic waste” and “I resell electronic waste” received the lowest scores, indicating that few students actively engage in such practices.
Chronic health conditions and medical device usage
Interestingly, nearly 18% of the students reported having a chronic illness lasting longer than three months, including conditions such as allergies, depression, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases etc. This statistic highlights the fact that a significant portion of students regularly interacts with medical devices. More than 80% of participants stated that they have digital medical devices at home, with blood pressure monitors, digital thermometers, and smartwatches being the most common. The frequent use of such devices makes the proper disposal of medical e-waste a pressing concern.
Attitudes toward battery and medical device disposal
The workshops also explored student practices regarding battery disposal, as batteries are common in every household. More than half of the students collect used batteries and take them to designated collection points, while a third collect them at home until they collect enough for disposal. Only one student reported using rechargeable batteries.
Students highlighted several distinctions between the disposal of batteries and digital medical devices:
- Batteries are perceived as more hazardous than medical devices.
- Collection points for batteries are more widely available than those for medical devices.
- While batteries can leak and pose environmental risks, medical devices may carry infection risks, especially those that have been in direct contact with patients.
- Batteries are more easily recyclable than medical devices.
- Medical devices generally have a longer lifespan than batteries, making them less frequently discarded.
Returning digital medical devices: preferences and concerns
When introduced to the idea of returning digital medical devices such as smart patches and smart pillboxes, the majority of students (73%) expressed a preference for returning these devices to collection points themselves. Another 18% said they would prefer a service that collects these devices from their homes, and 9% would opt for a combination of the two methods
Safety and trust were recurring themes in these responses. Many students believe that healthcare professionals are best suited to handle the disposal of such devices, given the potential hygiene and contamination risks. They also cited the convenience of returning devices during routine doctor visits, especially when these visits coincide with follow-ups related to the patient themselves.
Preferred locations for device collection
When asked about the best places to return medical devices, students most frequently mentioned shopping centres, followed by hospitals, educational institutions, public transport stations, and post offices. These locations are preferred due to their convenience, accessibility, and the fact that they are regularly visited by large numbers of people. Additionally, shopping centres and hospitals often already serve as collection points for e-waste, making them familiar and logical choices for medical device returns.
Final reflections: the importance of recycling medical e-waste
The concluding thoughts from the workshops underscore the importance of recycling and returning electronic medical devices. Students recognized that proper e-waste management is crucial for reducing environmental harm and promoting sustainability.
They emphasized the need for raising awareness about e-waste, particularly among older generations, and for increasing the availability of collection points in accessible locations across the city. Government support and public education were seen as key factors in making the return and recycling of medical devices easier and more widespread.
Many students had never previously considered the implications of medical e-waste or thought about the potential reuse of electronic devices. The workshops provided a valuable opportunity for participants to engage with this issue and recognize their role in contributing to a healthier planet. By returning unused or outdated devices like smart patches and pillboxes, they can help reduce e-waste and support the circular economy.
Learn more of reverse logistics for medical e-waste:
