Electronic waste (e-waste): Material flows and management practices in Nigeria

Journal Article · Tue Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 2008 · Waste Management

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2007.06.012· OSTI ID:21153979

Osibanjo, Oladele ^[1]

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1. Basel Convention Regional Coordinating Center for Africa for Training and Technology Transfer, Department of Chemistry, University of Ibadan (Nigeria)

The growth in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) production and consumption has been exponential in the last two decades. This has been as a result of the rapid changes in equipment features and capabilities, decrease in prices, and the growth in internet use. This creates a large volume of waste stream of obsolete electrical and electronic devices (e-waste) in developed countries. There is high level of trans-boundary movement of these devices as secondhand electronic equipment into developing countries in an attempt to bridge the 'digital divide'. The past decade has witnessed a phenomenal advancement in information and communication technology (ICT) in Nigeria, most of which rely on imported secondhand devices. This paper attempts to review the material flow of secondhand/scrap electronic devices into Nigeria, the current management practices for e-waste and the environmental and health implications of such low-end management practices. Establishment of formal recycling facilities, introduction of legislation dealing specifically with e-waste and the confirmation of the functionality of secondhand EEE prior to importation are some of the options available to the government in dealing with this difficult issue.

• OSTI ID: 21153979
• Journal Information: Waste Management, Journal Name: Waste Management Journal Issue: 8 Vol. 28; ISSN WAMAE2; ISSN 0956-053X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
NONRADIOACTIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT
NONRADIOACTIVE WASTES
PRICES
RECYCLING
SCRAP
STREAMS