Reasons for resistance to e-waste recycling: evidence from an emerging economy

Purpose The purpose of this paper, an empirical research, is to identify the psychological and functional barriers that result in e-waste recycling resistance. Design/methodology/approach The study is equipped with the theoretical lens of the innovation resistance theory. Households living in an Indian city were surveyed using a pre-validated questionnaire. Statistical analysis for the study was done with partial least squares - structural equation modeling. Findings The outcome of the survey exhibited that the significant factors contributing to e-waste recycling resistance are usage barrier, value barrier, risk barrier and tradition barrier. Practical implications The study offers implications for multiple stakeholders, which aid them in formulating strategies to overcome e-waste recycling resistance. Originality/value This research has remarkable importance as it is the pioneering study that extensively investigates the reasons for e-waste recycling resistance in an emerging economy. The study also empirically validates the moderating role of environmental awareness, age, gender and income in the relationship between barriers and resistance to e-waste recycling.