AN EVALUATION OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF E-WASTE MANAGEMENT IN YAOUNDE, CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Electronic waste, also referred to as e-waste or waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), encompasses discarded or unwanted electronic appliances such as computers, laptops, TVs, DVD players, mobile phones, MP3 players, and their various parts and consumables (Martin, 2017). There is no universally accepted definition for E-waste that is recognised worldwide, as each country has its own definition for this type of garbage. The EU WEEE directive provides the most widely accepted definition of e-waste. According to this directive, e-waste refers to electrical or electronic equipment (EEE) that is discarded, including all its components, sub-assemblies, and consumables (EU, 2017; Vadiya et al., 2021). The rapid advancement of technology has resulted in increased turnover and reduced lifespan for numerous electrical and electronic devices. The usage of electrical and electronic gadgets in most emerging countries has been expedited by fast rising populations, rapid economic expansion, and an increase in community living standards (Suraj et al., 2019).

E-waste is a multifaceted waste category that include both dangerous and valuable substances.The number 6.  The chemical composition of electronic wastes (e-wastes) varies depending on the type and age of the discarded electronic device.  E-waste contains valuable metals such as copper, iron, aluminium, cobalt, nickel, tin, lead, zinc, as well as precious metals like gold and silver. This makes it crucial to recycle e-waste. However, improper disposal of e-waste can lead to significant environmental pollution. It releases toxic gases containing harmful elements like dioxins and furans, as well as toxic dust and ash containing heavy metals (Rath et al., 2022). According to Fu et al. (2019), burning the plastic cover of wires in open barrels generates 100 times more dioxins compared to burning household rubbish.  

The issue of e-waste has compelled environmental agencies in numerous countries to create and implement environmentally responsible alternatives and tactics for managing e-waste. This is done in order to reduce and regulate the continuously increasing danger that e-waste poses to both the environment and human health (Zhang, 2017).  Nevertheless, in developing nations, especially in urban areas, it is challenging to fully implement or duplicate the e-waste management system found in developed countries. This is primarily due to various country-specific factors such as socio-economic conditions, inadequate infrastructure, the absence of suitable e-waste regulations, and the approach and dedication of relevant stakeholders. The source cited is Al-Khatib's work from 2018. 

To address the issue of e-waste generation, it is crucial to implement efficient management practices that cover the entire life-cycle of the product, starting from the design phase (cradle) to the end-of-life phase (grave). This involves adopting environmentally friendly solutions, such as promoting reuse or recycling, as a significant portion of e-waste is currently being disposed of in landfills or incinerated along with other industrial waste (Rath et al., 2022). Currently, the issue lies in the exportation of unwanted electronic items from wealthier developed countries to poorer developing/undeveloped countries for recycling. This is primarily due to the significantly lower labour costs for recycling in these countries compared to recycling or disposing of the e-waste domestically. Additionally, some developing countries have lax or poorly enforced environmental and occupational regulations, further incentivising the exportation of e-waste (Leung et al., 2017).  The Basel Convention, an international treaty, seeks to regulate the cross-border transportation of dangerous wastes, including electronic waste. It has been ratified by numerous nations (Fu et al., 2019).  Regrettably, unethical entities in affluent nations exploit the donation of outdated electronic devices as a means to circumvent the Basel Convention and export both operational and non-operational electronic equipment to developing nations.  Brokers that facilitate the export of operational products frequently fill shipping containers with unsalvageable garbage, perhaps constituting as much as 75% of the shipments. The majority of this waste is disposed of in landfills and informal dumping sites, leading to significant environmental and human impacts. Given the secretive nature of these operations, it is not possible to accurately measure the total amount of electronic garbage being exported in general (Robinson, 2019). 

It is important to acknowledge that the adoption of EEE (Electronic and Electrical Equipment) in certain African countries is still relatively low in comparison to other countries globally. However, its growth rate is remarkable. Over the past decade, the rate at which personal computers have been adopted has climbed by a factor of 10, while the number of mobile phone customers has increased by a factor of 100 (Santos et al., 2022). The rising penetration rates suggest that the increased commerce of electronic and electrical equipment (EEE) has resulted in improved affordability and availability of EEE for individuals (Oliveira et al., 2022). Hence, it is imperative to enhance the consciousness of emerging nations, like Cameroon, regarding the detrimental consequences of mishandling e-waste, which includes the contamination of water, land, and atmosphere, hence posing a significant threat to public health. Therefore, it is crucial to address this issue with a sense of growing urgency.

The issue of e-waste management in Cameroon has gotten significantly more urgent. With the rapid increase in urbanisation and technological use, especially in big cities such as Yaoundé, there has been a significant rise in the amount of electronic garbage (e-waste). This has put a strain on the current waste management systems (Ngnikam et al., 2021). The e-waste management procedures in the country are frequently hindered by poor infrastructure, insufficient legislative frameworks, and a lack of public awareness (Mokolo et al., 2022). Yaoundé, as the governmental and administrative centre of Cameroon, mirrors the larger national dilemma. The urban area's increasing population and escalating demand for electronic products intensify the issue of electronic trash. Studies have shown that inadequate methods of disposing and recycling waste in Yaoundé have resulted in significant environmental contamination and health risks for the city's inhabitants (Tchouamo & Mbanga, 2023). Efforts to regulate and handle electronic trash in Cameroon have involved a range of initiatives, including public awareness campaigns and regulatory measures. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of these endeavours has been constrained by the irregular execution and supervision (Fon et al., 2024). For example, whereas initiatives like the National E-Waste Management Strategy seek to tackle these problems, there are still practical obstacles such as enforcing the rules and allocating resources that remain unresolved (Nguegang et al., 2023). This study aims to assess the implementation of E-waste management in Yaounde, Cameroon, considering the current situation.

1.2 Statement of the problem

The swift progress of technology has resulted in a substantial rise in electronic garbage (e-waste) on a global scale. E-waste refers to a wide variety of electronic and electrical items that have been abandoned, such as computers, smartphones, and household appliances. If not adequately managed, the increasing amount of electronic trash presents significant environmental and health hazards (Smith & Johnson, 2020).

The main challenges faced in handling electronic waste (e-waste) in less developed nations are the lack of legal framework and insufficient infrastructure for e-waste management (Abalansa et al., 2021). Several developing countries, including Cameroon, lack well-defined legislative frameworks to regulate the handling of electronic and electrical equipment (EEE) at the end of their life cycle. This includes the processes of product take-back and the implementation of extended producer responsibility (EPR) (Heeks et al., 2018). Moreover, most countries have shown limited commitment to effectively managing the e-waste flow (Osibanjo et al., 2019; Heeks et al., 2018). The inaction can be partly attributed to insufficient knowledge about the potential repercussions of the e-waste stream, ineffective enforcement by regulatory bodies tasked with its management, limited recycling technologies, and inadequate garbage disposal infrastructure (Kumar, 2023). Many people in poor nations have little understanding of the laws regarding the handling of electronic waste, and as a result, these laws are not properly enforced (Muhani, 2019). The stakeholders' limited comprehension has impeded the populace's involvement in effective e-waste management, a critical factor for achieving success (Luther et al., 2020). Furthermore, numerous impoverished countries have placed greater importance on addressing the underlying problem of household garbage, rather than directing their attention towards the progressively detrimental impacts of specific waste categories such as electronic waste (e-waste) (Abalansa et al., 2021). 

Cameroon has had difficulties in e-waste recycling due to a lack of advanced technology, as well as insufficient tools and equipment (Perkins et al., 2022). Typically, recycling initiatives are carried out in an informal manner by disassembling electronic devices and searching for valuable components (Koloseni et al., 2022). The procedure entails utilising rudimentary tools and equipment in an exposed setting, resulting in the release of hazardous gases that pose a threat to both workers and the surrounding ecosystem (Mmereki et al., 2017). The sites are frequently distinguished by the practice of open burning, which is used to uncover the specific components being targeted (Manhart, 2021). The personnel are also devoid of safety protective equipment and are exposed to perilous chemicals (Ferronato & Torretta, 2017). Efficient management of electronic waste necessitates the employment of extensively skilled staff and the utilisation of specialised equipment, both of which are currently deficient in Cameroon (Pinto, 2018).

While many developing countries have agreed to international accords regarding environmental protection, they still lack sufficient regulatory systems to address electronic trash within their own territories (Ikott, 2023). Other developing nations have either formulated or adopted policies and legal frameworks pertaining to the management of electronic waste, but these policies have not been effectively contextualised, implemented, or put into reality (Svensson et al., 2020). These regulations have been perceived as superficial attempts to meet specific international standards without a genuine dedication to preserving the environment and ensuring public health (McAllister, 2020). In addition, regulatory organisations often encounter budget constraints that limit their ability to fully implement necessary measures due to competing priorities (Wilson et al., 2017). Many developing nations have also breached e-gadget import regulations, leading to unrestricted entry of large quantities of used electronic gadgets, which eventually become electronic garbage (Wang et al., 2020). This setback is exacerbated by the citizens' incapacity to acquire new technologies, forcing them to choose for second-hand products that have a shorter lifespan (Pedro et al., 2021).

Cameroon lacks the well-organised waste disposal infrastructure and mechanisms that wealthy countries possess (Maimba, 2019). While the industrialised world extensively utilises infrastructure such as sanitary landfills and incinerators to dispose of electronic waste, Yaoundé employs open dumping, open burning, and burial as alternate methods (Davis et al., 2017). Consequently, there have been multiple instances of land, water, and air pollution that have caused detrimental effects on the environment and human health, as shown by Kinthia et al. (2020). Open burning is frequently linked to the release of harmful substances into the air, which can cause damage to the atmosphere and have negative impacts on human health (Luther, 2020). Developing countries have consistently had difficulties in financing the construction of effective containment infrastructure. However, despite the many difficulties in managing e-waste, there are various potential benefits including the creation of jobs, generating of cash, and manufacture of by-products (Awasthi, 2017). Given these hindrances, it is crucial to carry out a comprehensive evaluation of the difficulties linked to e-waste management in Cameroon.

Objectives of the study

The primary objective of this study is to critically evaluate the implementation of E-waste management in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Specific objectives of this study are to:

To evaluate the existing strategies and processes for managing electronic waste (e-waste) in Yaoundé

To evaluate the infrastructure and facilities available for e-waste collection, recycling, and disposal in Yaoundé.

To analyze the role of the informal sector in e-waste management in Yaoundé

To identify the challenges and barriers faced by stakeholders, including government agencies, private companies, and NGOs, in implementing effective e-waste management strategies

To provide recommendations for improving the implementation of e-waste management in Yaoundé

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions which are in line with the objectives of this study will be answered in this study:

What are the existing strategies and processes employed for managing electronic waste (e-waste) in Yaoundé? 

How effective are the existing infrastructure and facilities for e-waste collection, recycling, and disposal in the Yaoundé?

What is the role of the informal sector in e-waste management in Yaoundé?

 What challenges and barriers do stakeholders face in implementing e-waste management initiatives in Yaoundé?

What are the recommendations for improving the implementation of e-waste management in Yaoundé?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

To determine the effectiveness of this study, the following research null hypotheses will be formulated to guide the study and it will be tested at 0.05% levels of significance.:

Ho: The existing infrastructure and facilities for e-waste collection, recycling, and disposal in the Yaoundé is ineffective.

Ha: The existing infrastructure and facilities for e-waste collection, recycling, and disposal in the Yaoundé is effective.

1.6 Significance of the study

The evaluation of the implementation of e-waste management in Yaoundé, Cameroon, holds great importance in various aspects, including environmental, health, economic, and policy-related dimensions. Acquiring understanding and successfully addressing these challenges of implementing e-waste management in Yaoundé could lead to significant improvements in e-waste management practices and general quality of life.

Electronic garbage, or e-waste, is a significant contributor to environmental pollution as it releases toxic compounds including lead, mercury, and cadmium into soil and water systems. This study seeks to evaluate the efficacy of existing e-waste management strategies in Yaoundé, with the objective of identifying opportunities for enhancing environmental safeguards. Efficient e-waste management can reduce negative environmental effects and support sustainable urban lifestyles.

In addition, mishandling and improper disposal of electronic trash can result in severe health complications, such as respiratory ailments, neurological disorders, and other illnesses associated with toxic material exposure. Assessing the efficacy of the existing e-waste management systems will offer valuable insights into mitigating health hazards for the inhabitants of Yaoundé, especially those in susceptible communities.

Moreover, implementing efficient e-waste management practices might yield economic advantages. Efficient recycling procedures can retrieve precious resources like gold, silver, and rare earth elements, thereby bolstering the local economy. In addition, enhancing e-waste management might decrease expenses linked to environmental remediation and healthcare for diseases caused by pollution.

Moreover, conducting an assessment of current e-waste management strategies would offer crucial information for policymakers and municipal authorities. An analysis of the existing systems can help identify deficiencies and vulnerabilities, which can then be used to shape the creation of more efficient laws and regulations. This can facilitate the development of focused initiatives that are more appropriate for the specific circumstances of Yaoundé and can be expanded to other areas in Cameroon.

Moreover, the study will enhance the understanding and recognition of the significance of appropriate electronic waste disposal among the local population. The research can contribute to educational initiatives by emphasizing existing methods and their constraints, with the goal of promoting responsible handling and recycling of e-waste.

Furthermore, this study enhances the current understanding of e-waste management by providing substantial data and analysis that may serve as a valuable resource for future research and academic discourse. The discoveries can lead to actual implementations and efforts that can benefit households, regulatory agencies, and local communities.

1.7 Scope of the study

Broadly, this study focus is to critically evaluate the implementation of E-waste management in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Specifically, this study seeks to evaluate the existing strategies and processes for managing electronic waste (e-waste) in Cameroon, evaluate the infrastructure and facilities available for e-waste collection, recycling, and disposal in Cameroon and analyze the role of the informal sector in e-waste management in Cameroon. 

Further, this study will focus on identifying the challenges and barriers faced by stakeholders, including government agencies, private companies, and NGOs, in implementing effective e-waste management strategies in Cameroon and it also seeks to provide recommendations for improving the implementation of e-waste management in Cameroon.

 The study is carried out in Yaoundé, Cameroon. 

1.8 Limitations of the study

During the examination, the researchers observed specific limitations that are intrinsic to all human actions. The primary constraint was the dearth of comprehensive literature on the topic, stemming from the paucity of data on an evaluation of the implementation of e-waste management in Yaounde, Cameroon. Hence, a substantial investment of time and effort was required to ascertain the suitable materials, books, or information and collect data. 

Moreover, this study is limited by its limited sample size and restricted geographical coverage, principally centered on Cameroon. Hence, the ability to apply the conclusions of this study to a wider context is limited, emphasizing the necessity for additional research. 

Furthermore, the researcher's restrictions were predominantly a result of financial restraints, as they are a student who lacks the necessary financial resources to support themselves. The excessively high transportation fees at the study site presented a difficulty in fulfilling the financial responsibilities associated with transportation costs.

In addition, the researcher encountered a time limitation as a result of the necessity to do this research while concurrently completing the responsibilities of attending lectures and engaging in other educational endeavors.

1.9 Definition of terms

E-waste: E-waste (electronic waste) includes anything with plugs, cords and electronic components. Common sources of e-waste include televisions, computers, mobile phones and any type of home appliance, from air conditioners to children's toys. Piles of mixed electronic waste.

E-waste management: E-waste management refers to properly disposing and managing electronic waste, including old or discarded electronic gadgets such as phones, computers, and televisions. The process involves the collection, transportation, recycling, refurbishing, and disposal of electronic waste in an environmentally-friendly manner.

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