Disposal of e-wastes in Nigeria: an appraisal of regulations and current practices

SUMMARY

Nigeria is undergoing a rapid and massive growth in cell phone and computer use. A significant portion of this growth is fuelled by the importation of second-hand equipment from rich developed countries. At the end of their useful life, this becomes waste, electronic waste. While some imported materials can either be directly re-used or repaired, there is a significant quantity of junk. At the end of its useful life, this second-hand electronic equipment finds its way into unregulated disposal sites, where it is routinely burnt, releasing hazardous substances into the environment. Nigeria became a signatory to the Basel Convention in 1989. Since then, it has not evolved a regulatory framework to check the illicit trade in second-hand electronic products. However, existing national laws are inadequate and the provisions of the Basel Convention do not appear to be enforced in the originating countries. The Basel Ministerial Declaration on environmentally sound management stipulates that final disposal practices such as landfill and incineration should be diverted to a programme that ensures reuse and refurbishment. Material recovery and recycling with adequate collection systems, therefore, remains the best option for discarding electronic wastes in Nigeria. This will not only protect human health and the environment, but also has the potential to create more jobs.

Key words:

• E-waste
• Basel Convention
• materials recovery
• recycling
• end-of-life
• second hand computers