Abstract
Informal recycling has been a source of challenges to a mobile telephone network (MTN) phone village in Rumukurushi, Port Harcourt, Nigeria, and several locations in developing countries. In order to bring a lasting solution to the menace of informal recycling in this location, the study proposed a new waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) management system. The system comprises the application of two key concepts. The first concept includes limiting the activities of informal recyclers to WEEE collection only. This implies WEEE treatment, dismantling, etc., are carried out by government-approved agencies and experts. The second concept involves the application of the just-in-time (JIT) management concept for managing WEEE. The concept ensures that WEEE is only requested from the recycler or the individuals in possession of it and only on demand. The study adopted a qualitative research approach. Data collection and analysis were achieved via semi-structured phone interviews and thematic analysis, respectively. The outcome of the study limits the activities of the informal recyclers to WEEE collection. Informal recyclers gain revenue from collection. A reduction in the waiting time of workers and WEEE storage space is achieved. This offers safety, efficiency, and an increased productivity. This will help to revolutionise the WEEE management system in the location.
Highlights
The quest to achieve monetary gains from the oil and gas sector in Nigeria necessitated the influx of individuals into the city of Port Harcourt, Nigeria
The research work reviewed past works of literature on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) management in an attempt to reduce the activities of informal recycling in the city of Port Harcourt, Nigeria
A new WEEE management concept for Port Harcourt is being developed that ensures the collection of WEEE from residents, informal recyclers, and the remaining part of the public, coupled with the application of the just-in-time (JIT) management concept
Summary
The quest to achieve monetary gains from the oil and gas sector in Nigeria necessitated the influx of individuals into the city of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Due to the continuous increase in inhabitants experienced in the location, there is a steady increase in the population, WEEE, and material consumption, alongside other contaminants that can affect the environment. This creates room for a continuous rise in the quantity of WEEE produced in the location [1]. The informal recyclers in the location lack awareness of accessible protection, as well as their rights. They engage in an unsafe WEEE management technique, exposing both themselves and individuals in the location, as well as the environment, to risk [3]
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