Potential Effects of Computer E-Waste Disposal Management Approaches on Human Health and the Environment in Nairobi City County, Kenya

Margaret W. Maimba^1, , Peter M. Ngau¹ and Fridah W. Mugo¹

¹Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197, Nairobi, Kenya

Cite this paper:
Margaret W. Maimba, Peter M. Ngau and Fridah W. Mugo. Potential Effects of Computer E-Waste Disposal Management Approaches on Human Health and the Environment in Nairobi City County, Kenya. Journal of Environment Pollution and Human Health. 2019; 7(1):27-33. doi: 10.12691/jephh-7-1-4

Abstract

Computer electronic (e-waste) is an important global challenge due to the presence of complex hazardous components that have potential negative impact on human health and the environment if not properly handled. This paper presents the potential negative impacts of computer e-waste disposal management approaches on human health and environmental degradation of the urban area. Purposive and random sampling was used for public institutions, private companies and households respectively. The formal and informal disposal sites within the Nairobi City County. The Central Government Ministries and agencies charged with the responsibility of environment and human health management including policy and legislative development and enforcement of related regulations provided the required data for this paper. The study observed that public auctions, throwing away together with county solid wastes, selling as second-hand materials, storage at the premises, donations, reuse, recycling, urban mining, refurbishment, leasing, selling to recycling facilities were the computer e-waste disposal management approaches practiced by the respondents in the study area. The study concludes that all the computer e-waste disposal management approaches practiced by the respondents are unsustainable and have potential negative effects to human health and the environment if not handled properly. Further, the study concludes that the respondents are unaware of the potential negative effects on their lives and the environment by computer e-waste disposal management approaches they use. The study recommends the establishment of a County E-waste Management Authority (CEMA) to implement a zero-waste policy. In addition, the study recommends the establishment of a two-level model of a computer e-waste disposal management system that would include a residential/commercial neighbourhood Drop Off Points (CEDOPs) and a County Computer E-Waste Recycling Centre (CEREC). In addition, Ward Computer Literacy Centres (WCLCs) should be established in all Wards to utilize spin offs from CEREC for community computer capacity building.

Keywords:
computer e-waste disposal management system disposal management approaches human health urban environment urban mining zero waste policy

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