E-WASTE HERO: MOBILE APPLICATION AS A CIRCULAR ECONOMY TOOL TO PROMOTE THE CORRECT DISPOSAL OF GREEN LINE ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT WASTE IN SÃO BERNARDO DO CAMPO/SP

Abstract

This study proposes the use of the circular economy as a strategic tool to promote the proper disposal of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), including desktops, laptops, computer accessories, tablets, and cell phones, in São Bernardo do Campo, SP. The proposal includes the prototyping of a mobile application with an interactive interface aimed at raising awareness among residents and connecting manufacturers, companies, and users around the sustainable management of WEEE. The adopted methodology is qualitative, exploratory, and bibliographic, integrating questionnaires, interviews, market and financial analysis, as well as the prototyping and usability validation of the proposed application. One of the main challenges identified by the interviewed companies is the mixing of WEEE with common waste, which aligns with the study’s finding that 59% of São Bernardo do Campo residents struggle to differentiate between common waste and electronic waste. Additionally, the lack of fiscal incentives, absence of clear reuse programs, and scarcity of specific digital solutions were highlighted. The developed prototype achieved a usability score of 88.7%, rated as excellent, showcasing its ease of use. Users also highlighted the app’s ability to encourage proper WEEE disposal through a reward system and the clear interpretation of information about WEEE. The results underscore the need for a digital solution like the app, aiming to bridge the gap between WEEE knowledge and inadequate disposal practices.