Perceptions and practices on e-waste management in selected institutions of Zimbabwe

Abstract

Rapid industrialisation has seen the integration of electronic devices for process automation to support increased consumer demand and remain competitive. The rapid adoption of these devices has raised the production of e-waste. E-waste poses environmental and public health hazards. Proper management of this waste by relevant institutions may reduce the problem. This paper aims to determine the implications of the practices of selected institutions on e-waste management. The study was conducted in four purposively selected provinces of Zimbabwe. Participants included: ICT producers (4), regulators (3), government ministries (private sector civil society organisations (3), and municipalities (4). An interview guide with thirteen questions addressing each stakeholder sector's roles, perceptions, and experiences was used to conduct the in-depth interviews. Data were reduced by transcription and coding of the various data sources. The findings of the study show that there was no legislation directly talking to e-waste management in the country. E-waste was disposed of together with general waste at landfill sites. The importation of e-waste is not monitored since no legislation controls this activity. Telecommunication companies auction obsolete electronic gadgets to the public and other companies. The regulatory institutions did not consider e-waste a major problem in the country. There is no control over the importation of e-waste at ports of entry, resulting in non-compliance with the Basil and Bamako Conventions. E-waste was not regarded as a major problem in the country. This misconception results in a lack of control over the management of e-waste in the country resulting in environmental and Public Health problems.