E-Waste Estimates and Disposal Methods among Households in Selected Local Government Areas in Southwestern Nigeria

This study evaluated e-waste management methods among households in Southwestern Nigeria using selected local government areas. It estimated the quantity of specific e-waste category disposed of by the households, and examined the methods used by them in the disposal of the e-waste. These were with a view to providing reliable data that would guide decision making process towards sustainable e-waste management, particularly at the local level. The study covered the target populations’ (that is household) operations between 2013 and 2018. This research employed survey method using both primary and secondary data. The primary data were sourced using a set of questionnaire. Secondary data such as population density of the study area and average weight of some e-waste items were sourced from the National Population Commission (NPC) report and literature, respectively. The questionnaire was administered on 300 households, selected through a multi-stage sampling technique. Data obtained were analysed. The results showed that a total estimated quantity of 32.1 metric tons (Mt) of e-wastes weredisposed of by the households between 2013 and 2018. The total e-waste estimate comprised 21.6 Mt (67.7%), 2.6Mt (8.2%), 5.2Mt (16.3%) and 2.2Mt (6.9%) of large household e-waste, small household e-waste, consumer e-waste and IT/Telecommunications e-waste. The result of the study also revealed that the flow/destination of the e-waste category were largely uncontrolled and informal.