Unified Green E-Waste Management Framework for Sustainable Campus Development: Case Study of Malaysian Public Universities 10.32526/ennrj/24/20250258

Abstract

Electronic waste (e-waste) has become the fastest-growing waste stream globally, presenting complex environmental and regulatory challenges that are particularly evident in higher education institutions. In Malaysia, public universities are significant contributors to e-waste generation due to their extensive reliance on information and communication technologies, laboratory equipment, and administrative devices. Although regulatory frameworks, such as the Environmental Quality (Scheduled Wastes) Regulations 2005, exist, current practices in universities remain fragmented, focusing largely on asset disposal under Ministry of Finance guidelines and neglecting gaps in behavioral, infrastructural, and policy integration. This study introduces the Unified Green E-waste Management Framework (UGEMF), a holistic model specifically designed for Malaysian public universities. The framework was developed through qualitative methods, including document analysis, in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, and a review of institutional practices, regulatory documents, and best-practice case studies. The findings highlight barriers, including limited awareness, bureaucratic constraints, and the absence of institutionalized policies, while also identifying emerging best practices, such as refurbishment initiatives, decentralized collection points, and cross-sector collaborations. By operationalizing circular economy principles within the higher education context, UGEMF contributes theoretically to sustainability and waste management literature, while offering practical guidance for policymakers and administrators. Its adoption can transform e-waste management in Malaysian public universities from fragmented compliance processes into comprehensive, integrated sustainability strategies. This approach supports national green growth targets and sustainable campus development.