Development of an electronic waste management framework for college of engineering, design, art, and technology.

Abstract

The worldwide use of information and communications technology (ICT) equipment and other electronic equipment is growing. This growth is expected to accelerate due to short life cycle and higher consumption. As a result, e-waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally. The United Nations University (UNU) calculates in its third of the Global E-waste Monitor 53.6 million metric tonnes (Mt) of e-waste were generated globally in 2019. E-waste generation is expected to increase to 74.7 Mt in 2030 and reach as much as 110 Mt in 2050, unless we modify our practice. (Balde et al., 2022). The objective of the study was to develop a framework for improving e-waste management at the College of Engineering, Design, Art, and Technology (CEDAT). This was achieved by breaking it down into specific objectives, and these included assessing the current e-waste volume, policies, and procedures implemented at CEDAT, the determination of the effectiveness of the e-waste management practices at CEDAT, the establishment of the critical challenges constraining e-waste management at the College, development of a framework for e-waste management. The study population was 80 respondents, from which a sample of 69 respondents was selected using simple and purposive sampling techniques. This research was carried out to investigate the problem of e-waste and come up with a framework to improve ewaste management. The study assessed the current e-waste volumes, reviewed the e-waste policies and procedures used at the college and then collected data, which was used to come up with a framework. The study also established that existing policy, procedures, and practices are not implemented, lack of proper infrastructure, improper disposal of e-waste and a general lack of awareness of the e-waste and the magnitude of the problem are the critical challenges of e-waste management. In order to appropriately address the issue, monitoring the quantities and flow of e-waste for analyzing advancements, policies and procedures must be sound, localized, and enhanced. It will be beneficial to launch awareness campaigns, setup the necessary infrastructure, and perform extensive research to establish the magnitude and severity of the issues. The study suggests a framework for e-waste management improvement.