Promoting Residents’ Willingness to Recycle Electronic ICT Waste in China: An Empirical Study Using Conjoint Analysis
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Title: “Promoting Residents' Willingness to Recycle Electronic ICT Waste in China: An Empirical Study Using Conjoint Analysis.”
Abstract: Internet+ recycling has been developing for many years in China and has achieved remarkable results. However, due to a large amount of personal information of users contained in electronic ICT waste, residents are concerned about privacy leaks, which leads to a lower willingness to recycle. Based on the characteristics of online recycling and previous research, this study aims to increase residents' willingness to recycle electronic ICT waste and tests the effectiveness of various recycling factors on residents' recycling motivation through a nationwide questionnaire survey and conjoint analysis. Our research results show that recycling trust, compensation method, recycling price, and recycling mode, in that order, are the recycling attributes with the highest utility values found in the study. Government certification and monitoring, cashback, high recycling price, and door-to-door recycling are the recycling attributes with the highest level of utility. Regarding the market share prediction of recycling combinations, multiple combination schemes perform outstandingly, and recycling businesses can attract residents with different preferences through multiple comprehensive programs.
Dear Authors,
I have read your article, and I would like to point out that, in my opinion, the topic of the study is relevant and interesting. However, I cannot support your article for publication in the journal "Sustainability" in its current state.
The abstract should have the following structure: relevance of the problem, research gaps, purpose of the article, methodology, results, discussion and conclusions.
I will not comment on the level of quality and scientific novelty of the research, as the paper has no purpose and is more conceptual. I would recommend the publication of this paper in the conference proceedings.
I hope I am not demotivating the authors.
Thank you for your understanding, and good luck!
Best regards,
The reviewer
Moderate editing of the English language required
Author Response
Dear Reviewer,
Thank you for your insightful comments and for the time you have spent reviewing our manuscript entitled “Promoting Residents' Willingness to Recycle Electronic ICT Waste in China: An Empirical Study Using Conjoint Analysis.”
We appreciate your positive feedback regarding the relevance and interest of our topic. We also acknowledge your concerns about the structure of the abstract, and we have taken your recommendations into account in our revisions. Our abstract now includes the relevance of the problem, identified research gaps, purpose of the article, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusions. We have also made efforts to clearly articulate the purpose of our research, and believe it now has a more solid and scientific novelty than a purely conceptual presentation.
With regard to your suggestion about publishing in conference proceedings, we have carefully considered it. However, we believe that with these revisions, our research could have a more profound impact on the readers of the "Sustainability" journal. We have explicitly stated the research purpose in our revised manuscript and provided supportive evidence for our arguments.
As for the English language quality, we haven't enlisted the help of a native English-speaking professional editor, but we have made further optimizations to ensure a clearer, more articulate manuscript.
Thank you once again for your feedback. We truly appreciate this opportunity to improve our manuscript.
Best regards,
Chenying Wang
Reviewer 2 Report
Introduction
Could you briefly explain "Internet + Recycling" to Introduction? The introduction is still vague. After clarifying the relevance of your research and writing down the need for it, specify the purpose of your research at the end of the introduction.
Methods
Please provide the overall research scheme before 2.1. from preresearch, conjoint analysis to logistic regression. Could you state how you conducted preresearch? Does it include the questionnaire? or only literature review? In line 159, it describes that five factors were selected. Please explain how to select the factors and esimate degree of importance (Table 1). Please illustrate table 2. I could not find it in the manuscript. If possible, please add the example of the card presented to respondents.
Discussion
The discussion section focuses solely on interpreting the findings of our research. However, to underscore the significance of our research findings and enhance their credibility, it is crucial to compare them with relevant studies and provide suggestions for future research directions.
Author Response
Response to Reviewer 2 Comments
Point 1:
Introduction
Could you briefly explain "Internet + Recycling" to Introduction? The introduction is still vague. After clarifying the relevance of your research and writing down the need for it, specify the purpose of your research at the end of the introduction.
Response 1:
We appreciate your feedback on the introduction. In response to your comment, we have made revisions to provide a clearer explanation of "Internet + Recycling". The introduction now elaborates on the term as follows:
[Introduction in lines number 62-71]
In 2015, the Chinese government launched the "Internet Plus" initiative to promote entrepreneurial innovation, e-commerce, and green ecology. In 2016, the National Development and Reform Commission issued the "Internet + Green Resources Action Plan (2016-2020)" under the "Internet + Green Ecology" program, with the goal of establishing an innovative "Internet + Recycling" model. As a result, several online recycling plat-forms based on B2B, B2C, and other e-commerce models have emerged, including those such as Love Recycling, Taolv, Haoshou, and Baidu Recycle[15]. "Internet + Recycling" involves using an Internet recycling platform to recycle recoverable waste. This approach integrates principles of the Internet, technology, and recycling into the overall process of resource recovery.
We incorporated this explanation early in the introduction to provide readers with a clear understanding of the concept and its relevance to our study. We have also explicitly stated the purpose of our research at the end of the introduction to highlight its significance and necessity.
[Introduction in lines number 91-102]
Extensive and comprehensive research has explored the reasons for the low willingness of residents to recycle electronic ICT waste and found that residents trade-off between a number of attributes when choosing a recycling service. This suggests that evaluating different attributes of e-waste collection services in isolation may lead to po-tential effectiveness problems. In order to better understand the willingness of Chinese residents to recycle electronic ICT waste, this study uses a conjoint analysis approach to understand the priorities of residents in assessing different attributes and levels when recycling, based on the creation of specific recycling scenarios, with the aim of comparing the advantages and disadvantages of various recycling options and suggesting effective strategies to increase residents' willingness to recycle. This paper is expected to contribute to the promotion of Chinese residents' This paper is expected to provide more concrete and practical suggestions to promote the recycling of electronic ICT waste in China.
Point 2:
Please provide the overall research scheme before 2.1. from preresearch, conjoint analysis to logistic regression.
Response 2:
The overall research scheme, as described in the paper, includes several key steps.
[Introduction in lines number 103-108]
The methodology is described in Section 2, covering the conjoint analysis, literature review, pre-research, questionnaire design, and data collection. Results from the conjoint analysis are presented in Section 3, showing attribute importance weights, utility values and market share of various recycling modes. Section 4 discusses the findings and implications. The paper concludes in Section 5 by summarizing the main conclusions and outlining directions for future research.
Point 3:
Could you state how you conducted preresearch? Does it include the questionnaire? or only literature review? In line 159, it describes that five factors were selected. Please explain how to select the factors and esimate degree of importance (Table 1)
Response 3:
Preresearch, conducted after the literature review, involved a small-scale survey with a questionnaire. The survey targeted 50 households and utilized a specific test with a five-point Likert scale to assess the importance of five initial evaluation attributes: Recycling Method, Convenience, Recycling Price, Recycling Trust, and Compensation Method. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted to validate the survey findings and gain deeper insights from participants. The results from the survey and interviews were used to estimate the degree of importance of each attribute, helping to identify the key factors influencing residents' participation in "Internet+ recycling" of electronic ICT waste products.
Point 4:
Please illustrate table 2. I could not find it in the manuscript. If possible, please add the example of the card presented to respondents.
Response 4:
We appreciate your feedback and apologize for any confusion caused. We have made the necessary adjustments to the manuscript to illustrate Table 2 in the vicinity of the relevant text. Additionally, in Section 2.4 of the revised manuscript, we have provided an example of the card presented to the respondents during the survey.
Point 5:
The discussion section focuses solely on interpreting the findings of our research. However, to underscore the significance of our research findings and enhance their credibility, it is crucial to compare them with relevant studies and provide suggestions for future research directions.
Response 4:
Thank you for your feedback. We understand the importance of comparing our findings with relevant studies and offering suggestions for future research. To enhance the credibility and significance of our study, we will include a comparative analysis with related research and propose potential avenues for future investigations in the discussion section. This will strengthen our study's impact and contribution to the field of electronic ICT waste recycling.
[Discussion in lines number 362-378, 387-398]
The optimization and evolution of electronic ICT waste are taking place within an unprecedented context of technological innovation, stimulating the continual emergence of progressively advanced and stylish electronic devices[39]. The trend towards trendiness significantly shortens the average lifespan of these devices, resulting in a large volume of electronic ICT waste in China.
The aim of this study was to identify key factors affecting public participation in Electronic ICT waste recycling in China, thereby aiding in the development of effective recycling strategies.
Unraveling the complexities of recycling outdated Electronic ICT waste is an essential precursor to tackling issues associated with e-waste. The primary hurdle in this process is the potential risk of personal data breaches[40]. Our research also discovered that recycling trust greatly influences residents' decisions on whether to participate in the recycling of Electronic ICT waste. Furthermore, our study indicates that among the various levels within the attribute of recycling trust, government certification and monitoring yield the highest utility. Therefore, the Chinese government should focus on introducing pertinent technical standards or guidelines, and stimulating the advancement of technology capable of securely wiping out private information stored on such devices.
……
Our study found that recycling service providers with government certification and monitoring were trusted the most by consumers when it comes to selecting a recycling method. This underscores the need for the Chinese government to implement more potent strategies to enhance public awareness and participation in formal Electronic ICT waste recycling. Moreover, formally certified recycling enterprises should place greater emphasis on promoting their quality certifications to further instill trust among consumers.
The findings from our research suggest that door-to-door recycling with cashback compensation is highly favored by residents. This is in line with previous studies[18,19,26], which found that cash incentives significantly increase public participation in recycling programs. Therefore, it's vital for recycling service providers to conduct further surveys or studies, focusing on incentive design and reward value, to optimize their strategies and boost residents' engagement in Electronic ICT waste recycling.
Author Response File: 
Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 3 Report
Thanks for the opportunity to read the paper "Promoting Residents' Willingness to Recycle Electronic ICT Waste in China: An Empirical Study Using Conjoint Analysis"
The abstract failed to specify the number of respondents.
The introduction could provide a denser and more consistent background.
The paper's purpose is not clearly presented, although the reader understands the general context.
Why 50 house-holds were selected? (line 158).
Was the data analyzed with SPSS25.0 (line 210) or SPSS22.0 (line 259)?
The methodology and results are well-presented and consistent.
The discussion is a report of the data found. Here, it needs a significant deepening, opposing what the literature already says in relation to the research findings.
More recent references could be included.
Author Response
Response to Reviewer 3 Comments
Point 1: The abstract failed to specify the number of respondents.
Response 1: Thank you for your feedback. We have updated the abstract to include the number of respondents ("based on 184 valid entries") and enriched the discussion section with a comparative analysis and future research suggestions. We hope these revisions meet your expectations and improve the paper.
[Abstract in lines numbers 15]
Point 2:The introduction could provide a denser and more consistent background.
Response 2: Thank you for your valuable feedback. We have carefully considered your suggestion and made the necessary revisions to the introduction. The background is now more condensed and consistent, providing a clearer context for the study.
[Introduction in lines numbers 35-39 & 48-61]
The collection of electronic ICT waste plays a crucial role in its refurbishing, remanufacturing, or recycling [4,5]. However, in China, the environmentally sound management of e-waste faces significant challenges due to low resident participation and collection rates [6].
……
Before the launch of the "Internet + Recycling" model, the situation in China was such that the majority of waste collection was predominantly managed by informal recycling sectors due to the relatively low collection rate in the formal recycling sectors[10,11].The informal recycling sectors are often run by individuals or familial groups, requiring minimal capital investment and exhibiting characteristics such as small scale, rudimentary technology, and lack of regulation [10]. However, the high expenses associated with managing secondary pollutants during the waste disposal process—like the gathering and treatment of acidic wastewater and waste residue—typically results in a lower recycling price compared to that of the informal sectors. This situation eventually leads to a lack of sufficient recycling in formal sectors [12,13]. Consequently, the formal sectors tend to be less competitive than the informal ones, causing inefficiencies in the operations of the formal sectors. Under these circumstances, the unregulated recycling and processing activities of the informal sectors could potentially result in significant wastage of resources and secondary environmental pollution [14].
Point 3:The paper's purpose is not clearly presented, although the reader understands the general context.
Response 3: Thank you for your feedback. We have revised the paper to clearly present its purpose and emphasize the importance of evaluating different attributes of e-waste collection services together using conjoint analysis. The study aims to understand residents' priorities and suggest effective strategies to increase their willingness to recycle electronic ICT waste. We believe these revisions improve the clarity and practicality of the paper.
[Introduction in lines numbers 91-102]
Extensive and comprehensive research has explored the reasons for the low willingness of residents to recycle electronic ICT waste and found that residents trade-off between a number of attributes when choosing a recycling service. This suggests that evaluating different attributes of e-waste collection services in isolation may lead to potential effectiveness problems. In order to better understand the willingness of Chinese residents to recycle electronic ICT waste, this study uses a conjoint analysis approach to understand the priorities of residents in assessing different attributes and levels when recycling, based on the creation of specific recycling scenarios, with the aim of comparing the advantages and disadvantages of various recycling options and suggesting effective strategies to increase residents' willingness to recycle. This paper is expected to contribute to the promotion of Chinese residents' This paper is expected to provide more concrete and practical suggestions to promote the recycling of electronic ICT waste in China.
Point 4:Why 50 house-holds were selected? (line 158).
Response 4: The selection of 50 households was based on the methodology employed by Qu et al. As part of our pre-research survey, we used a five-point Likert scale to assess the outcomes of a specific test.
[Methodology in lines numbers 207-210]
Following the methodology employed by Qu et al.[26], we conducted a pre-research survey with a selection of 50 households, and the outcomes of a specific test were assessed using a five-point Likert scale.
Point 5:Was the data analyzed with SPSS25.0 (line 210) or SPSS22.0 (line 259)?
Response 5: Thank you for pointing out this inconsistency. We apologize for the error. The data was analyzed using SPSS22.0.
Point 6:The discussion is a report of the data found. Here, it needs a significant deepening, opposing what the literature already says in relation to the research findings.
Response 6: Thank you for your feedback. We understand the importance of comparing our findings with relevant studies and offering suggestions for future research. To enhance the credibility and significance of our study, we will include a comparative analysis with related research and propose potential avenues for future investigations in the discussion section. This will strengthen our study's impact and contribution to the field of electronic ICT waste recycling.
[Discussion in lines number 362-378, 387-398]
The optimization and evolution of electronic ICT waste are taking place within an unprecedented context of technological innovation, stimulating the continual emergence of progressively advanced and stylish electronic devices[39]. The trend towards trend-iness significantly shortens the average lifespan of these devices, resulting in a large volume of electronic ICT waste in China.
The aim of this study was to identify key factors affecting public participation in Electronic ICT waste recycling in China, thereby aiding in the development of effective recycling strategies.
Unraveling the complexities of recycling outdated Electronic ICT waste is an essential precursor to tackling issues associated with e-waste. The primary hurdle in this process is the potential risk of personal data breaches[40]. Our research also discovered that recy-cling trust greatly influences residents' decisions on whether to participate in the recycling of Electronic ICT waste. Furthermore, our study indicates that among the various levels within the attribute of recycling trust, government certification and monitoring yield the highest utility. Therefore, the Chinese government should focus on introducing pertinent technical standards or guidelines, and stimulating the advancement of technology ca-pable of securely wiping out private information stored on such devices.
……
Our study found that recycling service providers with government certification and monitoring were trusted the most by consumers when it comes to selecting a recycling method. This underscores the need for the Chinese government to implement more potent strategies to enhance public awareness and participation in formal Electronic ICT waste recycling. Moreover, formally certified recycling enterprises should place greater emphasis on promoting their quality certifications to further instill trust among con-sumers.
The findings from our research suggest that door-to-door recycling with cashback compensation is highly favored by residents. This is in line with previous studies[18,19,26], which found that cash incentives significantly increase public partici-pation in recycling programs. Therefore, it's vital for recycling service providers to conduct further surveys or studies, focusing on incentive design and reward value, to optimize their strategies and boost residents' engagement in Electronic ICT waste recy-cling.
Point 7:More recent references could be included.
Response 7: Thank you for your valuable suggestion. We have made further revisions and optimizations, including the addition of more recent references. The total number of references in the paper has now increased to 40.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 4 Report
Comments to the Author
Manuscript Title:
Promoting Residents' Willingness to Recycle Electronic ICT Waste in China: An Empirical Study Using Conjoint Analysis
Manuscript Number: Sustainability-2451333
The paper written by Wang et al on the Recycle Electronic ICT Waste in China seems a good scientific study though this paper need to be revise.
1. Modify the abstract. The current form is very generic, try to modify it and it should be attractive.
2. Replace some of the current keywords with some new attractive words.
3. Introduction needs to be revised and some more factual data should be added with appropriate citations.
4. Section 2.2 Determination of attributes and levels, each section in this like 2.2.1, 2.2.2, 2.2.3, and 2.2.4 need more related information.
5. Source of Table 1 should be given or mention how the Degree of importance was calculated.
6. Give some more emphasis on Questionnaire design.
7. I want to see some more discussion and also some citation in the discussion section.
8. Remove older references and update the references within last five years.
The manuscript is not up to mark for publication in Sustainability, but it can be accepted for publication after considering the major revision. However, in my opinion for being accepted a series of aspects of the content and also of the language should substantially be improved. A significant number of grammatical and punctuation mistakes made it impossible to easily understand the content of the manuscript. In addition to the technical changes, the authors need to be very careful while editing the manuscript.
Comments for author File: Comments.pdf
Moderate editing of English language required
Author Response
Response to Reviewer 4 Comments
Point 1: Modify the abstract. The current form is very generic, try to modify it and it should be attractive.
Response 1: Thank you for your valuable feedback. We have emphasized the importance of recycling trust in the revised abstract. The study highlights the significant role of recycling trust in influencing residents' willingness to recycle electronic waste. By understanding the impact of various factors, including recycling trust, through a nationwide survey and conjoint analysis, our research provides valuable insights for enhancing public participation in electronic waste recycling.
[Abstract in lines numbers 8-22]
Initiated by the Chinese government to mitigate pollution arising from informal recycling, the Internet+ recycling model has been evolving and yielding significant results over the years in China. However, due to a large amount of personal information of users contained in electronic Information and Communication Technology waste, residents are concerned about privacy leaks, which leads to a lower willingness to recycle. This study aims to enhance people's willingness to recycle electronic waste by testing the impact of various factors through a nationwide survey and analysis. Prior research evaluated e-waste collection attributes separately, potentially causing validity concerns. Addressing this, our study, based on 184 valid entries, employs conjoint analysis to understand the effect of different attributes on residential recycling choices. Among the attributes, recycling trust emerged as paramount, followed by compensation method, price, and mode. High utility attributes include government monitoring, cashback, high prices, and door-to-door service. Extending beyond the core research, our study forecasts market shares for diverse recycling combinations. The results indicate no single dominant strategy, as several combinations show substantial shares. Consequently, businesses are advised to adopt a multi-pronged approach using diverse combinations for optimal results.
Point 2: Replace some of the current keywords with some new attractive words.
Response 2: Thank you for your valuable suggestion. We have replaced some of the current keywords with new and attractive words to enhance the appeal of the paper. These modifications aim to better capture the attention of readers and highlight the significance of our research findings in the field of electronic waste recycling.
Point 3: Introduction needs to be revised and some more factual data should be added with appropriate citations.
Response 3: Thank you for your valuable feedback. We have revised the introduction by incorporating more factual data and including new and attractive references [4, 5, 6, 11-15]. The introduction now provides a denser and more consistent background, offering a clear presentation of the paper's purpose. These additions enhance the credibility of our study and provide a more engaging overview of the research context.
[Introduction in lines numbers 35-38,48-71]
The collection of electronic ICT waste plays a crucial role in its refurbishing, remanufacturing, or recycling [4,5]. However, in China, the environmentally sound management of e-waste faces significant challenges due to low resident participation and collection rates [6].
Before the launch of the "Internet + Recycling" model, the situation in China was such that the majority of waste collection was predominantly managed by informal recycling sectors due to the relatively low collection rate in the formal recycling sectors[10,11].The informal recycling sectors are often run by individuals or familial groups, requiring minimal capital investment and exhibiting characteristics such as small scale, rudimentary technology, and lack of regulation [10]. However, the high expenses associated with managing secondary pollutants during the waste disposal process—like the gathering and treatment of acidic wastewater and waste residue—typically results in a lower recycling price compared to that of the informal sectors. This situation eventually leads to a lack of sufficient recycling in formal sectors [12,13]. Consequently, the formal sectors tend to be less competitive than the informal ones, causing inefficiencies in the operations of the formal sectors. Under these circumstances, the unregulated recycling and processing activities of the informal sectors could potentially result in significant wastage of resources and secondary environmental pollution [14].
In 2015, the Chinese government launched the "Internet Plus" initiative to promote entrepreneurial innovation, e-commerce, and green ecology. In 2016, the National Development and Reform Commission issued the "Internet + Green Resources Action Plan (2016-2020)" under the "Internet + Green Ecology" program, with the goal of establishing an innovative "Internet + Recycling" model. As a result, several online recycling platforms based on B2B, B2C, and other e-commerce models have emerged, including those such as Love Recycling, Taolv, Haoshou, and Baidu Recycle[15]. "Internet + Recycling" involves using an Internet recycling platform to recycle recoverable waste. This approach integrates principles of the Internet, technology, and recycling into the overall process of resource recovery.
Point 4: Section 2.2 Determination of attributes and levels, each section in this like 2.2.1, 2.2.2, 2.2.3, and 2.2.4 need more related information.
Response 4: Thank you for your valuable feedback. We have carefully reviewed Section 2.2. The section provides a comprehensive explanation of the attributes and levels selected for the study. Specifically, it covers recycling price, recycling trust, compensation method, recycling method, and convenience. Each attribute is thoroughly discussed with relevant findings from literature reviews and previous research. We have also included specific percentages and statistics to highlight the significance of these attributes in influencing residents' willingness to recycle electronic ICT waste.
Point 5: Source of Table 1 should be given or mention how the Degree of importance was calculated.
Response 5: Thank you for your feedback. The source of Table 1 and the calculation of the Degree of importance have been clarified. The attributes and their importance degrees were derived from a pre-research survey with 50 households, where specific tests were conducted using a five-point Likert scale. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted to further validate and finalize the importance of the Internet+ recycling model attributes. The table now includes the necessary information to support the findings.
Point 6: Give some more emphasis on Questionnaire design.
Response 6: In Section 2.4 of the revised manuscript, we have provided an example of the card presented to the respondents during the survey.
Point 7: I want to see some more discussion and also some citation in the discussion section.
Response 7: Thank you for your feedback. We understand the importance of comparing our findings with relevant studies and offering suggestions for future research. To enhance the credibility and significance of our study, we will include a comparative analysis with related research and propose potential avenues for future investigations in the discussion section. This will strengthen our study's impact and contribution to the field of electronic ICT waste recycling.
[Discussion in lines number 362-378, 387-398]
The optimization and evolution of electronic ICT waste are taking place within an unprecedented context of technological innovation, stimulating the continual emergence of progressively advanced and stylish electronic devices[39]. The trend towards trendiness significantly shortens the average lifespan of these devices, resulting in a large volume of electronic ICT waste in China.
The aim of this study was to identify key factors affecting public participation in Electronic ICT waste recycling in China, thereby aiding in the development of effective recycling strategies.
Unraveling the complexities of recycling outdated Electronic ICT waste is an essential precursor to tackling issues associated with e-waste. The primary hurdle in this process is the potential risk of personal data breaches[40]. Our research also discovered that recycling trust greatly influences residents' decisions on whether to participate in the recycling of Electronic ICT waste. Furthermore, our study indicates that among the various levels within the attribute of recycling trust, government certification and monitoring yield the highest utility. Therefore, the Chinese government should focus on introducing pertinent technical standards or guidelines, and stimulating the advancement of technology capable of securely wiping out private information stored on such devices.
……
Our study found that recycling service providers with government certification and monitoring were trusted the most by consumers when it comes to selecting a recycling method. This underscores the need for the Chinese government to implement more potent strategies to enhance public awareness and participation in formal Electronic ICT waste recycling. Moreover, formally certified recycling enterprises should place greater emphasis on promoting their quality certifications to further instill trust among consumers.
The findings from our research suggest that door-to-door recycling with cashback compensation is highly favored by residents. This is in line with previous studies[18,19,26], which found that cash incentives significantly increase public participation in recycling programs. Therefore, it's vital for recycling service providers to conduct further surveys or studies, focusing on incentive design and reward value, to optimize their strategies and boost residents' engagement in Electronic ICT waste recycling.
Point 8: Remove older references and update the references within last five years.
Response 8: Thank you for your valuable suggestion. We have made further revisions and optimizations, including the addition of more recent references. The total number of references in the paper has now increased to 40.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 5 Report
Reviewers' comments:
Authors should pay attention to the revisions, addressing each and every comment.
1. In the abstract, it is not recommended to use acronyms. It is better to simplify the sentence so that it will be easier to understand.
2. In introduction, in my opinion, the information that is handled there is very poor, the references are scarce, it requires a more in-depth investigation.
3. It is necessary to explain in detail the materials, since as it is present, it is not clear at all.
4. Figure 1, it is required to separate the figures and graphs, do not put everything in one, explain in detail the function of each one and put in all the graphs the name of the "x" and the "y".
5. Conclusions in this version plays a role of summing up discussion and thus is too long. I suggest revising the text, adding the most important discussion into the Results and Discussion section, while rewriting the Conclusions with outlooks and possibilities scaling up the findings of this paper.
6. Please do not mix conclusions with recommendations.
7. In references 5 and 29 the Doi is missing, please check that all the references have it.
Author Response
Response to Reviewer 5 Comments
Point 1: In the abstract, it is not recommended to use acronyms. It is better to simplify the sentence so that it will be easier to understand.
Response 1: Thank you for your valuable feedback. We have revised the abstract and replaced the acronyms with "Information and Communication Technology" for better clarity and understanding.
Point 2: In introduction, in my opinion, the information that is handled there is very poor, the references are scarce, it requires a more in-depth investigation.
Response 2: Thank you for your valuable feedback. We have carefully considered your suggestion and made the necessary revisions to the introduction. The background is now more condensed and consistent, providing a clearer context for the study.
[Introduction in lines numbers 35-39 & 48-61]
The collection of electronic ICT waste plays a crucial role in its refurbishing, remanufacturing, or recycling [4,5]. However, in China, the environmentally sound management of e-waste faces significant challenges due to low resident participation and collection rates [6].
……
Before the launch of the "Internet + Recycling" model, the situation in China was such that the majority of waste collection was predominantly managed by informal recycling sectors due to the relatively low collection rate in the formal recycling sectors[10,11].The informal recycling sectors are often run by individuals or familial groups, requiring minimal capital investment and exhibiting characteristics such as small scale, rudimentary technology, and lack of regulation [10]. However, the high expenses associated with managing secondary pollutants during the waste disposal process—like the gathering and treatment of acidic wastewater and waste residue—typically results in a lower recycling price compared to that of the informal sectors. This situation eventually leads to a lack of sufficient recycling in formal sectors [12,13]. Consequently, the formal sectors tend to be less competitive than the informal ones, causing inefficiencies in the operations of the formal sectors. Under these circumstances, the unregulated recycling and processing activities of the informal sectors could potentially result in significant wastage of resources and secondary environmental pollution [14].
Point 3: It is necessary to explain in detail the materials, since as it is present, it is not clear at all.
Response 3: Thank you for your valuable feedback. We acknowledge the need to provide a clear and detailed explanation of the materials and methods used in our study. Currently, the paper focuses on the evolution of the Internet+ recycling model in China and its significance in mitigating pollution from informal recycling. It also highlights the concerns of residents regarding personal information leakage, which affects their willingness to participate in electronic waste recycling.
To address your concern, we will revise the introduction and methodology sections to provide a more comprehensive description of the materials used and the research approach. This will ensure that readers have a better understanding of our study's design and methodology.
Point 4: Figure 1, it is required to separate the figures and graphs, do not put everything in one, explain in detail the function of each one and put in all the graphs the name of the "x" and the "y".
Response 4: Thank you for your valuable feedback. We have made the necessary revisions to Figure 2 (we add another Figure 1 before in this revision) and providing detailed explanations for each one. Additionally, we have included the names of the "x" and "y" axes on all the graphs to improve clarity and understanding.
We appreciate your suggestions, and we believe these changes enhance the visual presentation and overall quality of the figures. Your input has been instrumental in improving the manuscript, and we are committed to addressing any other potential areas of improvement to ensure the highest standard of the paper.
[Methdology in lines number 289-298]
Fig.2 (b)(c)(d) depict that the respondents have higher levels of education, and over half of them are students. This group is more likely to generate electronic ICT waste and participate in online recycling[26]. Additionally, Fig.2 (c) shows that the broad coverage and reasonable distribution of different occupations except for students have reference value for the study. Furthermore, Fig.2 (e) illustrates that the distribution of respondents with different recycling experiences is appropriate. Fig (f) specifically addresses individuals who have never recycled before (51.18%), investigating the primary attributes and levels influencing their recycling tendencies. This examination allows us to devise practical recycling plans promoting their recycling behavior.
Point 5: Conclusions in this version plays a role of summing up discussion and thus is too long. I suggest revising the text, adding the most important discussion into the Results and Discussion section, while rewriting the Conclusions with outlooks and possibilities scaling up the findings of this paper.
Response 5: Thank you for your feedback. The Conclusions section has been revised to provide a concise summary of the key findings and implications. The Results and Discussion section now includes the most important discussion points to better integrate the analysis.
[Discussion in lines number 362-378, 387-398]
The optimization and evolution of electronic ICT waste are taking place within an unprecedented context of technological innovation, stimulating the continual emergence of progressively advanced and stylish electronic devices[39]. The trend towards trend-iness significantly shortens the average lifespan of these devices, resulting in a large volume of electronic ICT waste in China.
The aim of this study was to identify key factors affecting public participation in Electronic ICT waste recycling in China, thereby aiding in the development of effective recycling strategies.
Unraveling the complexities of recycling outdated Electronic ICT waste is an essential precursor to tackling issues associated with e-waste. The primary hurdle in this process is the potential risk of personal data breaches[40]. Our research also discovered that recy-cling trust greatly influences residents' decisions on whether to participate in the recycling of Electronic ICT waste. Furthermore, our study indicates that among the various levels within the attribute of recycling trust, government certification and monitoring yield the highest utility. Therefore, the Chinese government should focus on introducing pertinent technical standards or guidelines, and stimulating the advancement of technology ca-pable of securely wiping out private information stored on such devices.
……
Our study found that recycling service providers with government certification and monitoring were trusted the most by consumers when it comes to selecting a recycling method. This underscores the need for the Chinese government to implement more potent strategies to enhance public awareness and participation in formal Electronic ICT waste recycling. Moreover, formally certified recycling enterprises should place greater emphasis on promoting their quality certifications to further instill trust among con-sumers.
The findings from our research suggest that door-to-door recycling with cashback compensation is highly favored by residents. This is in line with previous studies[18,19,26], which found that cash incentives significantly increase public partici-pation in recycling programs. Therefore, it's vital for recycling service providers to conduct further surveys or studies, focusing on incentive design and reward value, to optimize their strategies and boost residents' engagement in Electronic ICT waste recy-cling.
[Conclusion in lines number 464-479]
This study highlights the role of 'Internet+ recycling' in China, a leader in global carbon emissions. The paper presents a clear picture of the current recycling landscape and the factors encouraging residents to participate. The insights gathered from this research are beneficial for government bodies and businesses planning to develop a high-participation recycling model.
The research suggests that businesses could boost their visibility by partnering with local community organizations. Gaining government certification can also enhance their credibility and give them a competitive edge. The study also found that consumers prefer door-to-door recycling services that offer cashback. This strategy can attract more customers and motivate existing ones to recycle more frequently. Offering flexible payment options, like digital wallets or mobile payments, can also cater to the needs of modern consumers. The reputation of the recycling provider is a crucial factor for consumers when choosing a recycling method. Providers should focus on delivering high-quality services and interact with customers through various channels to build a strong reputation. Overall, the study provides key insights into the recycling industry and offers practical advice for providers looking to improve their competitive positioning.
Point 6: Please do not mix conclusions with recommendations.
Response 6: Thank you for your feedback. We have carefully considered your suggestion to separate the conclusions from the recommendations. However, upon further consideration, we believe that including the recommendations within the conclusions section will provide a more concise and impactful ending to the paper.
By presenting the key findings together with the corresponding recommendations in one section, readers can easily grasp the practical implications of our research. This approach aims to facilitate a better understanding of the potential strategies for promoting 'Internet+ recycling' in China.
We hope that this format enhances the clarity and applicability of our study's results. Your insights have been invaluable in improving the quality of our paper, and we sincerely appreciate your time and effort in reviewing our work.
Point 7: In references 5 and 29 the Doi is missing, please check that all the references have it.
Response 7: Thank you for pointing out the missing DOIs in references 5 and 29. We have carefully reviewed the references and confirmed that reference 8 is a conference paper and reference 37 is a government policy directive, both without DOIs.
We appreciate your attention to detail and apologize for any oversight. If you have any other suggestions or feedback, please don't hesitate to share it with us. Your input is highly valued and helps us enhance the quality of our paper.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Round 2
Reviewer 1 Report
Dear Authors,
The article has acquired a new quality after your revision. Even though I still believe that the article could have been much more substantial, I am ready to support this article for publication, as it has a sufficient level of novelty and practical recommendations.
I would recommend the authors add a paragraph at the end of the "conclusions" section describing the prospects for further research based on this study.
Thank you and good luck!
Best wishes,
The reviewer
Minor editing of English language required
Author Response
Dear Reviewer,
Thank you for your feedback on our revised article. We sincerely appreciate your positive assessment of the improvements made. We would like to express our gratitude for your valuable input and support throughout the review process.
We have taken your suggestion into consideration and have added the following paragraph to our article:
"Future research in the recycling industry should consider additional factors that impact market share, such as changes in environmental policies, technological innovations, and consumer behavior. Long-term tracking and analysis can provide insights into market share trends, while comparisons between regions and countries can uncover variations and their underlying causes. Additionally, integrating sustainability factors like resource efficiency and circular economy practices can contribute to market share growth."
By including these insights, we aim to enhance the depth and relevance of our study. We believe that these additions will provide valuable guidance for future researchers in the recycling industry.
Once again, we would like to express our gratitude for your time, expertise, and constructive feedback. Your support has been instrumental in improving the quality of our article. We are excited about the opportunity to share our findings and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the recycling field.
Thank you for your continued guidance and best wishes.
Sincerely,
Chenying Wang
Reviewer 2 Report
Thank you for implementing the suggested revisions. The current version is now ready for publishing.
Author Response
Dear Reviewer,
I sincerely appreciate your invaluable support in publishing my article in Sustainability. Your positive feedback and guidance have been instrumental in improving its quality. Thank you for recognizing its contribution to the field. I am grateful for your commitment to upholding high standards.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Chenying Wang
Reviewer 4 Report
The authors have modified the manuscript according to the comments raised and resolved each comments significantly hence this manuscript can be accepted in current form.
Author Response
Dear Reviewer,
I sincerely appreciate your invaluable support in publishing my article in Sustainability. Your positive feedback and guidance have been instrumental in improving its quality. Thank you for recognizing its contribution to the field. I am grateful for your commitment to upholding high standards.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Chenying Wang
Reviewer 5 Report
Thank you very much for your answers.
Author Response
Dear Reviewer,
I sincerely appreciate your invaluable support in publishing my article in Sustainability. Your positive feedback and guidance have been instrumental in improving its quality. Thank you for recognizing its contribution to the field. I am grateful for your commitment to upholding high standards.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Chenying Wang
