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Omole D. O.1, Tenebe I. T1, Emenike C. P.1, Umoh A. S.1 and Badejo A. A.2
1Department of Civil Engineering, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
2Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria
E-Mail: domole@covenantuniversity.com
ABSTRACT
Electronic waste (E-waste) is a relatively new and emerging municipal waste in Nigeria. As much as 400, 000
units of used electronic equipment arrive through the Lagos port into Nigeria each month. A large percentage of these
imported equipment are completely unserviceable, thus contributing to waste load in the country. E-wastes are leading
sources of heavy metal contamination in the environment when improperly managed. The current study examines the
reasons for the upsurge in demand for electronics in waste. Information regarding factors that contribute to the generation
of e-wastes was gathered through the administration of a structured questionnaire to sections of Ogun State, Nigeria.
Findings from the study show that young people between the ages of 15 - 35 are responsible for the highest demand for
electronics in the country. It was also shown that the national policy on e-wastes management (especially with respect to
enforcement), is still in its formative stages and that public health is highly vulnerable to the effects of e-wastes.
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flame retardant which are commonly found in municipal about 50% of the waste, plastics 21%, non-ferrous metals
solid waste (MSW) (Musson et al., 2000; Lee et al., 2000). 13% and other constituents (Pinto, 2008). Some electronic
Mobile phones which is also becoming a components of and the pollutants associated with them are
predominant e-waste in Nigeria contains more than 50 summarized in Table-1. The potential occurrence of
different components, these include base metals (copper, elements such as lead, cadmium, selenium, arsenic,
tin), Special metals (cobalt, indium, antimony) and mercury, hexavalent chromium and flame retardants
precious metals (silver, gold, palladium) (Osibanjo, 2009; beyond allowable quantities makes e-waste dangerous in
Kasper et al., 2011, Scharnhorst et al., 2005). The most nature. Upon disposal, they cause pollution as a result of
common metal component in use in EEE is copper (9g), their toxic nature. Therefore, the current study aims at
while the most common precious metals in increasing assessing the e-waste situation in Ogun State, Nigeria.
order are palladium (9mg), gold (24mg) and silver (about This is done with the intention of determining the cause of
250mg) (Hagelüken and Corti, 2010). The lithium-ion high e-waste volumes as well as possible impacts such
battery found in mobile phones contains about 3.5 grams wastes are having on the environment and public health.
of cobalt (Xiadong et al., 2011). Steel and iron constitutes
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Motivation for purchase that irrespective of the physical state and durability of the
Based on availability and level of sophistication EEEs, respondents tend to view EEE functions as a reason
of EEE function, the opinion of respondents was sought to for procurement, than durability (Figure-4). This goes
know which of the options was more responsible for further to confirm the assertion by Nnorom and Osibanjo
buyers to make purchases. The role of availability and (2008) that the production of newer models of EEEs is a
functionality was used as a tool to assess respondents on major cause of e-wastes generation.
what spurs them to purchase EEE. The research showed
As an example, newer models of mobile phones dominant reason for procuring EEEs than durability. This
have been designed to possess the same or even better information could encourage manufacturers to sacrifice
functions than older computers (David, 2011). This has led durability for low cost but high function gadgets.
to stiff competition among mobile phone manufacturers in Ultimately, this could lead to the proliferation of more
their quest to maintain the leading edge in technology in a products that reach the end of their useful life faster,
highly competitive market (Jamie and Martin, 2006). thereby turning out e-wastes at a faster rate.
Figure-5 further shows that affordability is the more
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Assessment of public awareness of associated risks shows that lot of public enlightenment has to be done to
increase public awareness to health risks posed by
Public awareness of health risk unwanted EEEs. Users need to be educated on the
The questionnaire sought information on persons presence of heavy metals in their EEE, the potential
that were aware that improperly discarded EEEs could damages to health and the benefits that can be derived
cause health risk. Those that were aware picked ‘yes’ from a controlled and well managed e-waste system. The
while those that were ignorant of this picked ‘no’. As effect of e-waste can be reduced to a minimum when there
shown (Figure-6), more persons were unaware of the risks is adequate awareness on the health risk arising from the
posed to public health by improperly discarded EEEs. This improper disposal of EEE.
Environmental hazard awareness were aware picked ‘yes’ while those that were ignorant of
Similarly, the questionnaire sought information this picked ‘no’. The result of the responses is presented in
on persons that were aware that improperly discarded Figure-7.
EEEs could cause pollution in the environment. Those that
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Although a larger percentage of the respondents This provides necessary information capable of helping
were aware that improperly discarded EEEs could pose prospective buyers make better and informed decisions
environmental hazards, it could also be observed that a regarding procurement and disposal of EEEs at the end of
relatively large percentage of the respondents were their useful life. Furthermore, the country’s manufacturing
ignorant of this fact. It is important, therefore, that there is sector should be encouraged at all levels to invest in the
a need to increase the level of public awareness with recovery, recycle and re-use of EEE components in order
respect to risks posed by used EEEs. Both the public and to reduce the volume of e-waste. Finally, all stakeholders
private sectors could contribute in terms of sensitization should be made aware of the respective responsibilities in
programs, in order to reduce cases of adverse health and adhering to laid-down policies for the effective
environmental problems that arise from e-waste related management of e-wastes. The S.O.N., as well as other
cases. environmental agencies such as the Ogun State
Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA) and the
Management practices Municipal Waste management authorities should be
Developing countries (Nigeria inclusive) lack adequately empowered and equipped to enforce all related
well-established system for separation, collection, storage, policies and laws effectively.
transportation and disposal of e-waste as well as adequate Government plays an important role in developing
enforcement and monitoring of regulations to hazardous e- recycling capabilities in Nigeria. Incentives could also be
waste (Mundada et. al., 2004; Longe et al, 2010; provided to attract private sector partners who would set up
Agunwamba et al., 2013). Laxity is experienced in the state-of-art recycling facilities in Nigeria. This would
enforcement of existing laws that oversees general waste create job opportunities for many people and take the
management. State-of-the-art facilities and efficient financial pressure off the State budget (Thomas, 2003).
technological methods for e-waste are not common in Also, the State government should embark on public
developing countries (Nnorom and Osibanjo, 2008; awareness campaigns. This will educate end-users on the
Nnorom and Osibanjo, 2009). As a result, low-ends possible hazards to health and the environment.
management options are used to manage e-waste. These Furthermore, manufacturers may consider a strategy for e-
options include disposal in open dumps, backyard waste reduction by offering to buy-back the product at the
recycling and disposal into surface water bodies (Puckett, end of its useful life. This concept is already being
2005; Omole and Isiorho, 2011; Agunwamba et al., 2013; practiced by the Lagos State Waste management Authority
Omole and Isiorho, 2014). In addition, there is no (LAWMA) in retrieving e-waste (Jijoho-Ogun, 2011).
integrated framework as regards to the management and LAWMA offers a brand new computer system for every
monitoring of hazardous and toxic materials and waste in five waste computer systems. The goal is to take the hazard
developing countries. Inadequate funding is also a factor away from the public through incentives. Manufacturers
that has limited the management efficacy of hazardous and retailers should be encouraged to adopt this system.
waste and this has culminated in slow sustainable Manufacturers and merchant should take adequate
development (Omole and Ndambuki, 2014; Agunwamba et responsibility to cater for the convenient disposal of the
al., 2013). Nigeria is yet to experience a push-up in the used product when brought back by an end user. This can
recycling procedure associated with e-waste, so open be done by having tie-ups with dealers/retailers for the buy-
dumping of materials tend to be preferred solution. This back schemes. If possible, collection or disposal centres
process promotes environmental pollution thereby can be built for the customers other than the already
exposing millions to the hazards involved (Omole and available dealer locations. Consumers have an important
Isiorho, 2011; Okunola et al., 2012). Improved role to play in the disposal of e-waste. Community
management options are required to eradicate e-waste from involvement corresponding to attitudinal approach should
being indiscriminately disposed together with municipal be encouraged. The disposal of e-wastes in combination
solid wastes in Nigeria. with domestic or municipal must be discouraged through
special collection programs as espoused in the buy-back
scheme.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
E-wastes can be avoided from the beginning
Considering demand and utilization of EEE as
through sustainable product design and waste minimization
shown in this study, it could be inferred that e-waste
techniques. Where possible, biodegradable components
streams will continue to be on the rise if the identified
should be used. Also, durable product brands with
causative factors are not addressed. The Standards
extended battery life could be encouraged through tax
Organization of Nigeria (SON), which is the governmental
holidays and national awards.
agency responsible for imported products into Nigeria,
should pay attention to the strict monitoring and regulation
of EEEs coming into the country. Electrical and Electronic
products should be clearly labelled with respect to the
useful life and the hazardous components of the products.
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