Which external factor could positively influence ABC's e-waste collection rates?

• A. Stricter recycling laws could increase e-waste collection
• B. Lower gold prices
• C. Import tariffs on electronics
• D. Reduced consumer electronics disposal

Answer: (A)

This item tests how external regulatory or policy factors can affect how much e-waste gets collected. Stricter recycling laws create obligations and incentives for people and firms to return electronics and participate in take-back or mandatory recycling programs. When laws require convenient collection points and set targets or penalties for non-compliance, more devices are diverted to proper recycling, boosting collection rates.

Lower gold prices don’t encourage more collection; if the value of recovered materials falls, the financial incentive to separate and recycle can shrink, potentially reducing collection effort. Import tariffs on electronics can disrupt trade and might change disposal patterns, but they don’t inherently raise the rate at which e-waste is collected. Reduced consumer electronics disposal directly lowers the amount available for collection, so it wouldn’t raise rates.

So stricter recycling laws are the factor most likely to positively influence e-waste collection rates.