Assessment of Electronic Waste Management Disposal in Asaba, Delta State
CHAPTER ONE
Research Objectives
The main objective of the study is to assess electronic waste management disposal in asaba, delta state, and the specific objectives are:
- To identify the awareness level of the residents in Asaba, Delta State, about electronic waste management and disposal.
- To assess the current practices of electronic waste management and disposal among the residents in Asaba, Delta State.
- To determine the factors that influence the adoption of sustainable electronic waste management practices among the residents in Asaba, Delta State.
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
Introduction
This chapter discusses essential issues that form the background of the study. It is systematically organized starting from the conceptual review to the theoretical review of the study. The conceptual review was presented under different headings, to ensure a detailed analysis of the research subject matter.
Conceptual Review
E-Waste
There exists a wealth of definitions contested by scholars that seek to enhance understanding of the e-waste phenomenon (Balde et al., 2017). The absence of universal consensus on the definition has resulted in statistics with a magnitude of differences being presented in literature leading to loss of analytical validity and reliability of the presented data on the e-waste problem. Thus, e-waste as a concept is an elusive one (Balde et al., 2015). Thus, e-waste as a concept radiates a variety of meanings for the different societies, cultures, and other diverse settings (Balde et al., 2017).
Widmer, et al., (2005) defines electronic waste as a generic term embracing various forms of electronic and electric equipment that have ceased to be of any value to their owners. Though the definition offers us an insight into what is e-waste, the definition does not classify the various forms of electronic and electric equipment. The classification is a bone of contention among various scholars (Oteng-Ababio, 2012) and the definition of e-waste should be associated with the types of e-waste.
According to the OECD in Meltzer, (2014), e-waste is any appliance using an electric power supply that has reached its end of life. However, the problem with this definition is the classification of “appliances using electric power”. Some e-waste materials use battery power instead (Parajuly et al., 2019). Thus, one may conclude that although the literature is awash with many definitions trying to conceptualise the phenomenon of ewaste, differing classifications have led to the proliferation of varied statistics about the phenomenon.
- Waste is defined as any electrical and electronic products (household, or business) with circuitry, or electrical components with power or battery supply which have reached the end of their lifespan (StEP Initiative, 2014). The rigour of this definition is in its ability to negotiate the pitfalls of e-waste classification inherent in many definitions. For instance, Shah and Shaikh (2008) simply define e-waste as waste electrical and electronic equipment. In my view, Shah and Shaikh’s definition fails to illuminate the phenomenon that has become known as e-waste.
- However, what generally can be construed from the majority of definitions of e-waste present in current literature is the issue of contested e-waste classification. Such divergent thinking with no voice representing the society reflects confusion raising questions on whether some of the current studies on e-waste were focusing on the correct phenomenon.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Introduction
This chapter introduced the description of the adopted research methodology which was applied during the study. It unravels the research design, population of the study, sample population, research instruments, instrument validity, and instrument reliability.
Research Design
According to Creswell (2016), he asserted that research design is “the process of narrowing or focusing your perspective for a particular study”; Research design can also be seen as an outline or scheme which functions as a vital framework to the researcher in his research to gather data for his study. In research, research designs are adopted to describe how the variables of the proposed study will be discussed, controlled, or modified to collect the data needed for this investigation.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
This chapter is targeted at analyzing the data collected adopting a simple percentage and frequency presentation. The presentation is done in a tabular form for clarity and easy understanding. In getting the average mean adopted,
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
The improper disposal of electronic waste has become a growing concern worldwide due to its adverse environmental and health impacts. This study aimed to assess the current practices and factors that influence the adoption of sustainable electronic waste management practices among residents in Asaba, Delta State.
A survey questionnaire was administered to a random sample of residents in Asaba to gather data on their awareness, current practices, and attitudes towards electronic waste management. The data collected was analyzed using statistical tools such as frequency distribution, mean score, and regression analysis.
The results showed that while the majority of the respondents were aware of the potential harmful effects of electronic waste on the environment and human health, there was a significant gap in knowledge regarding proper disposal practices. Only a few residents knew how to dispose of electronic waste correctly, with many admitting to disposing of their old electronics improperly.
Factors such as lack of awareness and education, cost, and convenience were identified as significant barriers to the adoption of sustainable electronic waste management practices. However, the study also revealed that government policies and regulations could play a significant role in promoting sustainable electronic waste management practices in Asaba, Delta State.
In conclusion, the study highlights the need for increased awareness and education on proper electronic waste management practices among residents in Asaba. The findings can inform policy decisions on electronic waste management and disposal in Delta State and serve as a baseline for future research in the area.
Conclusion
This study has provided insight into the current state of electronic waste management and disposal practices among residents in Asaba, Delta State. The results showed that while there was a good level of awareness of the potential harmful effects of electronic waste, there was a significant gap in knowledge regarding proper disposal practices. The study also revealed that factors such as lack of awareness and education, cost, and convenience were significant barriers to the adoption of sustainable electronic waste management practices. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge on electronic waste management practices in Nigeria and can inform policy decisions on electronic waste management and disposal in Delta State. Further research can build on these findings to investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of specific interventions that can promote sustainable electronic waste management practices in the region.
Recommendations
Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations were made:
Increase Awareness and Education: There is a need for increased awareness and education programs to promote proper electronic waste management practices among residents in Asaba. The government, NGOs, and other relevant stakeholders should work together to develop and implement campaigns that promote responsible electronic waste disposal practices.
Develop Electronic Waste Collection Facilities: The government should provide electronic waste collection facilities across Asaba to make it convenient for residents to dispose of their electronic waste properly.
Implement Government Policies and Regulations: The government should develop and implement policies and regulations that support sustainable electronic waste management practices in Asaba. This can include providing incentives for businesses that adopt sustainable electronic waste management practices and imposing penalties for those who do not comply with the regulations.
Conduct Further Research: Further research is needed to investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of specific interventions that can promote sustainable electronic waste management practices in Asaba, such as electronic waste awareness campaigns or community-based electronic waste collection programs.
REFERENCES
- Achankeng, E. 2003. Globalization, Urbanisation and Municipal Solid Waste Management in Africa. In African Studies Association of Australasia and the Pacific (2003) 26th Annual conference Proceedings: Africa on a Global, University of Adelaide, Australia [online]. Available, http://www.afsaap.org.au/Conference/2003/
- Achankeng Agarwal, R., & Wankkhade, 2006. Hi-Tech heaps, forsaken lives: e-waste in Delhi. In challenging the chip: labour rights and environmental justice in the global electronics industry. Temple University Press.
- Agarwal, S. 2013. Electronic Waste: Environmental Health Problems in India. .https://www.researchgate.net/publiction/25494550 .
- Ajzen, I. 1985. From intentions to actions: A theory of planned behaviour Action control (pp. 11-39): Springer.
- Allan, A. R. 2001. Containment landfills: The Myth of Sustainability. Journal Engineering Geology 60, 3 – 19.
- Amuzu, D. 2018. Environmental Injustice of informal e-waste recycling in AgbogbloshieAccra: Urban political ecology perspective. Local Environment, 23(6), 603-618.
- Anney, V. N. 2014. Ensuring the quality of the findings of qualitative research: looking at Trustworthiness Criteria.
