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

Waste Manag. 2008;28(8):1472-9. doi: 10.1016/j.wasman.2007.06.012. Epub 2007 Sep 20.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Computers
  • Conservation of Natural Resources / trends
  • Developing Countries
  • Electronics / instrumentation*
  • Environment
  • Hazardous Substances
  • Internet
  • Nigeria
  • Refuse Disposal / methods*
  • Telecommunications
  • Time Factors
  • Waste Management / economics
  • Waste Management / methods*

Substances

  • Hazardous Substances