Title: Solving the waste electrical and electronic equipment problem: socio-economic assessment on sustainable e-waste management in South Eastern Nigeria

Authors: Johnson Ojiyovwi Okorhi; Joe E. Amadi-Echendu; Helen Olubunmi Aderemi; Roland Uhunmwangho; Osita Benedict Agbatah

Addresses: Institute of Engineering, Technology, and Innovation Management (METI), University of Port Harcourt, Shoba, Rivers State, Nigeria; National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM), South East Zonal Office, Enugu, Nigeria ' Institute of Engineering, Technology, and Innovation Management (METI), University of Port Harcourt, Shoba, Rivers State, Nigeria; Department of Engineering and Technology Management, Graduate School of Technology Management, University of Pretoria, South Africa ' Department of Management and Accounting, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria ' Electrical/Engineering Department, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria ' National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM), South East Zonal Office, Enugu, Nigeria

Abstract: Nigeria still considers waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) problem as more of socio-economic benefits rather than long-term human and environmental impacts. The study assessed the socio-economic factors affecting the trend of WEEE generation and handling in South Eastern Nigeria. The research concept identified key strategic aspects relative to socio-economic assessment of WEEE management. It used investigative approach through questionnaire administration. Twenty local government areas were purposively selected from five mutually exclusive strata. Data from 201 respondents were analysed using multiple linear regression and descriptive statistics. Results revealed that monetary provisions and public participation does not have significant relationship with WEEE generation and collection. The study revealed that the factors determined as affecting the trend of WEEE generation and collection cut across cheaper pricing of WEEE, availability of WEEE, quality/superiority of E.o.L EEE to newer ones, durability of device, low income consumers and the accessibility of end-users to WEEE.

Keywords: waste electrical and electronic equipment; WEEE; socio-economic assessment; South Eastern Nigeria; WEEE framework.

DOI: 10.1504/IJETM.2017.091292

International Journal of Environmental Technology and Management, 2017 Vol.20 No.5/6, pp.300 - 320

Accepted: 12 Oct 2017
Published online: 23 Apr 2018 *

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