An Assessment Of Existing E-Waste Management Systems In Institutions Of Learning In Ruiru Subcounty, Kiambu County

Abstract

The usefulness of ICT has led to an overwhelming elastic demand for electronics most computing devices such as mobile phones and computers. Individuals, learning institutions and government institutions worldwide are adopting ICTs at a fast pace. Widespread consumption has resulted into huge amounts of Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) or e-waste generated from non-usable or old electronics. E-waste management in developing countries is one of the least revised environmental topics. In recent times however the subject is getting research limelight from scholars. This study aimed at enhancing the existing ewaste management practice in institutions of learning in Kenya through systematic investigation of the current circulation, usage, handling and management of WEEE. This study evaluated the existing policy, institutional and regulatory framework on E-waste, the type and quantity of e-waste generated by institutions of learning in Ruiru sub county, the methods currently employed in e-waste disposal and recommend strategies that may be used to improve management of e-waste by the institutions. It explored the background to e-waste, and disposal practices in institutions of learning as key producers of e-waste and challenges they face. The study investigated the role of institutions of learning and Kenyan Authorities in combating electronic waste menace. It further looked at the Government’s lack of enforcement of existing laws dealing with e-waste management, the legislative bodies that are concerned in management of e-waste and furthermore account for the chemicals and hazardous substances in e-waste and the impacts they can have on the environment and human health. The Data for this study was collected using questionnaires, interviews, and discussions with key policy officers in government agencies, institutions of learning and collectors in Ruiru sub county. Secondary data was collected from review of literature. Data acquired was analyzed using SPSS and excel programs and illustrated where possible to draw conclusions. A Framework of integrated waste management was used to ensure e-waste is managed in a strategic way that leads to an e-waste management approach that could exist in a sustainable society. Data analysis revealed that institutions of learning are among the largest producers of e-waste such as Computers, typewriters, printers, Power cables, photocopier, Tv sets, radios, projectors ,desk phone, audio mixers , binding machines, microphones, UPS, video switcher, video cameras, still cameras, CCTVs; however none of the sampled institutions had an e-waste management policy or a defined method of e-waste management. 40% of them disposed of their waste with general waste without prior separation while 40% simply stored it and 18% gave it to scrap dealers. The level of awareness on e-waste was low especially it’s environmental and health effects at 25 % and 23% respectively. 68% of institutions were willing to give out their e-waste for free. 32% percent who were willing to sell or give it out but with conditions of free pick up at 60%, guarantee of proper disposal at3% ,28% if the law required them to and 10% would give it out if they were sure it was of no value to them. This revealed a high investment potential in E-waste recycling sector.The highly anticipated Governments free laptop program is likely to compound the ewaste steam management in primary schools spread all over Kenya if proper mechanisms of handling the resultant stream of waste are not put in place. Kenya lacks an e-waste specific policies but the government recognizes the challenges posed by e-waste and has already come up with draft regulations on E-waste due for adoption. The study recommends that e-waste specific policies and regulations be developed to govern e-waste from the production, importation, collection, transport, recycling and disposal. A proper National and institutional collection system needs to be developed and consumer sensitization and awareness increased.