Hibernating behavior for household personal computers

The recovery of electric and electronic waste is one of the key issues in developing a circular society. In Japan, the Act on Promotion of Recycling of Small Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment was established in 2012 and the collection of small electronic devices has been promoted. However, the collected amount has not increased, and hibernating behaviors are observed. In this study, we focused on household personal computers (PCs), of which the hibernated stock and hibernating behaviors have not previously been analyzed in detail. We conducted a questionnaire survey and obtained data concerning hibernated PCs in households. Based on the data of hibernating period distribution, the hibernation function was estimated and the hibernated PC stock was projected. In addition, the hibernation reasons and possible services that could encourage smooth PC disposal were analyzed and discussed. People kept PCs for less than one year because of using them in the future, while they hibernated PCs 1-5 years because of bothersome feelings and less knowledge about disposal ways and data erasing. The results about actually disposed and possible disposal routes indicated that a certain number of consumers misunderstand or do not know the current PC collection scheme in Japan. The preferred services by respondents also indicated that enforcement of the collection schemes themselves and more intensive public awareness activities are needed to improve the smooth discharge of unused PCs.