Abstract
This study focused on households and informal e-waste collectors as some of the key stakeholders in e-waste management in the Jos metropolis of Plateau state in Nigeria. Aspects investigated included awareness and knowledge on e-waste, disposal practices, willingness to recycle such wastes and the challenges encountered by these stakeholders. While households constitute major generators of e-waste, the absence of formal e-waste management in the Jos metropolis has created an opportunity for the informal e-waste sector. The data analysed in this study were collected from both households and informal waste pickers by using questionnaires. Both descriptive and inferential statistics as well as structural equation modelling were used to analyse the collected data. The household survey interviewed 228 respondents and 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. The study 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. Furthermore, this study showed how certain factors were moderating e-waste management and its recycling in the study area...
Ph.D. (Environment Management)