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.
The informal electronic waste recycling sector is a major contributor to livelihoods for a large population of unemployed people in developing countries. However, informal e-waste collectors operate under precarious environments which expose them to health risks which may have lasting impacts on their wellbeing. This survey has analysed e-waste collection, levels of awareness and operational challenges amongst informal e-waste workers in Jos (Nigeria). The study made use of questionnaire-administered interviews and 103 respondents participated in the survey. Most respondents were predominantly men, and majority had high school and tertiary education. Reclaimed e-wastes included electric irons (59.6%) and cables (57.7%); DVDs (49%); as well as TV and radio sets (42.3%). Furthermore, respondents travelled longer distances to access various collection points and buyback centres where their recovered waste items are sold for income-generating purposes. However, respondents also mentioned several illnesses which afflict them, of which body pains (37%) and headaches (46%) were the most frequent. The survey found no statistically significant relationships between respondents in terms of their willingness to recycle e-wastes, participate in improved recycling activities, and the challenges experienced in their daily activities. To overcome some the operational challenges in the informal ewaste activities, a few recommendations have been mentioned.
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