Computer E-Waste Disposal Management Approaches and Their Implications on Human Health and The Environment in Nairobi City County, Kenya

Abstract

Computer e-waste, one of the greatest challenges of the urban solid waste, has potential negative effects on environmental and human health. This study examined computer e-waste disposal management approaches in 38 institutions, 156 households and 30 private companies and their implications on human health and the environment. Questionnaires, interviews and observation guides were used to collect data. The findings revealed that public auction, certified waste collections, storage by institutions, private companies and households, respectively, are the main disposal management approaches. All the approaches used had potential negative environmental and human health effects. The key drivers of the disposal management approaches were identified as resource value, cultural, age at purchase of new computer, stakeholders’ attitude, technology update and obsolesce, high cost of repairs, research and development and end-of-life. Purchase of cathode ray tube (CRT) display monitors by public institutions and private companies was decreasing; liquid crystal display (LCD) monitors and laptops were increasing; and households purchased and retained CRTs and laptops. Lack of a disposal management system contributed to unsustainable e-waste disposal management. The study recommends involvement of public-private-partnerships and establishment of a sustainable computer e-waste disposal management system consisting of residential and commercial neighbourhood E-waste Drop-Off Points, E-waste Recycling Centre and Ward Literacy Centres to utilize recycled products. This will include formulation of a zero e-waste policy that will provide for the establishment of a County Computer E-Waste Management Authority. The authority will spearhead implementation of the zero e-waste policy.