Implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)-based Electronic Waste Institutions in Nigeria: Lessons from the Global North

Abstract

Since the 1980s, the exportation of end-of-life electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), also referred to as waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEE) or e-waste from developed to developing countries was decried by the international community. Whilst the trade in WEEE appeared to be substantially controlled by the Basel Convention 1989, it became obvious that the generation and disposal of WEEE had become—not just a developing country problem, but also one which affects the global North (developed countries). Currently, electronic waste has become a global environmental problem, with innovative strategies being developed at global, regional and national levels. Various jurisdictions have adopted various management strategies towards tackling the generation, trade and disposal of this waste stream. One of such strategies is by placing responsibility of the end-of-life management of an electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) on the producer in developed countries, using the extended producer responsibility (EPR) principle. This paper examines the reality of using an EPR-based principle to drive implementation of e-waste institutions in Nigeria. It discusses the effectiveness of EPR-base e-waste institutions in Netherlands and Japan, and how the establishments of producer responsibility organisations (PROs) have compelled effective regulation of e-waste streams in those jurisdictions. This paper analyses existing waste legislation in Nigeria and potentials for the establishment of such PROs to drive adoption of e-waste institutions in Nigeria, and concludes with proposals for effective management of e-waste for future generations in Nigeria.