Abstract
Nearly 290,000 tons of electronic waste was generated in Nigeria during the year 2017, which is likely to increase further due to high population growth rates, accelerated urbanization, high demand for electronic products, as well as disposal at their end-of-life. At the same time, e-waste is associated with negative human health impacts, as well as environmental pollution. Therefore, environmental awareness on this waste stream is crucial in its management and possible minimization. In this paper, we report on a survey which investigated awareness levels and knowledge amongst households in the Jos metropolis, Plateau State (Nigeria). We interviewed 228 respondents by means of close-ended questionnaires. The results indicated that cell phones (93%) and television sets (82%) were mentioned by most respondents. The main reasons for acquiring these electronic devices entailed the replacement of damaged ones (49.6%), frequent product upgrades (37.7%), as well as theft (35.55%), amongst others. The most predominant method of disposing e-waste included illegal dumping in open spaces along with other household wastes (25%), storing it at home indefinitely (27.6%), and selling it to others for possible reuse (17.5%). Although the handling and storage of this waste is currently inappropriate, most respondents (84.2%) were willing to participate in its management provided they are given appropriate knowledge (89.9%) on its safe disposal and recycling. Lastly, we found no significant correlation between existing awareness levels on e-waste and willingness to participate in its management based on the socio-demographical profile of respondents. Thus, we recommend educational interventions on sound e-waste management in the Jos metropolis, along with a systematic analysis of how policy interventions such as the extended producer responsibility schemes can be designed for effective e-waste management and recycling amongst all stakeholders.
Highlights
In 2016 and 2017, approximately 45 and 46 million tons of electronic waste (e-waste) was generated globally, respectively [1]
The one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test (Table 7) showed no significant differences between the awareness and willingness of respondents to participate in e-waste management according to their educational levels, marital status, as well as age
We investigated household awareness on e-waste and the associated willingness to participate in its management in Jos (Plateau State of Nigeria)
Summary
In 2016 and 2017, approximately 45 and 46 million tons of electronic waste (e-waste) was generated globally, respectively [1]. According to the United Nations research, over 60,000 tons of e-wastes are being shipped into Nigeria annually mainly via the ports in Lagos, apart from additional imports reaching this country from neighbouring countries [23] These amounts are excessive for Nigeria considering that nearly 290,000 tons of a similar waste stream were generated nationally during the year 2017 [23]. This increased e-waste generation rate is leading to severe environmental management problems due to indiscriminate dumping in public open spaces, and river banks where it is illegally dumped alongside municipal or hospital wastes. There are no significant differences in household willingness to participate in e-waste management depending on their socio-demographic characteristics
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