AN ASSESSMENT OF ELECTRONIC WASTE RISK ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT IN CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

The worldwide production of electronic garbage has been escalating at a concerning pace. The Global E-waste Monitor 2020 reported that around 53.6 million metric tonnes of electronic garbage (e-waste) were produced globally in 2019. This number is expected to increase to 74.7 million metric tonnes by 2030 (Forti et al., 2020). The increase in demand is fuelled by the escalating utilisation of electronic gadgets, the decreasing duration of product life cycles, and the absence of efficient recycling solutions. E-waste comprises toxic elements like lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can cause substantial environmental and health hazards if not appropriately handled (Robinson, 2019). In underdeveloped nations, such as Cameroon, the problem is worsened by the influx of outdated and second-hand electronic gadgets, frequently disguised as contributions or used products. As these gadgets approach the end of their useful lifespan, they become electronic waste, further contributing to the already significant challenge of waste management in these areas (Schluep et al., 2019).

The utilisation of electronic and electrical gadgets has experienced a surge in recent years due to the economic and technological advancements in Cameroon. The proliferation of electrical and electronic equipment has resulted in a significant accumulation of electronic waste in urban areas of Cameroon. Electrical and electronic wastes are commonly referred to as electronic wastes (e-waste) or waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). The WEEE refers to electrical and electronic equipment that has become obsolete or reached the end of its life cycle (Kalana, 2020). E-waste refers to electronic materials that are discarded by end users and encompass a diverse array of products, ranging from basic devices to intricate goods. This category includes both white goods, such as refrigerators, washing machines, and microwaves, as well as brown goods, such as TVs, radios, and computers, that have reached the end of their usefulness for their current owners (Kalana, 2010, Khetriwal et al., 2017). Aniekan et al (2022) note that annually, a staggering 20 to 50 million tonnes of trash electrical and electronic equipment are produced globally, presenting a significant risk to both human health and the environment. Waste electrical and electronic equipment may include many compounds, some of which are harmful, while others have a significant market value when recovered.

In Cameroon, the majority of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) is imported, and it is believed that many of these EEE have reached the end of their life before being imported. Cameroon has been a major destination for a significant amount of electronic garbage imported from wealthy countries (Osibanjo et al., 2018). The primary forms of electronic waste in Cameroon and other developing nations include outdated computers, refrigerators, antiquated tape recorders, discarded vehicles, used batteries, monitors, television sets, cell phones, children's toys, printers, microwave ovens, and any other previously owned electrical or electronic equipment, such as energy-efficient light bulbs and fluorescent tubes. The use of electronic and electrical equipment (EEE) results in the production of waste materials containing toxic metals. These metals offer a significant environmental risk, leading to the accumulation of solid e-waste in urban areas (Osibanjo et al., 2018; Lu et al., 2017; Butu and Okoro, 2018; Onwughara et al., 2017).

According to Sharma (2020), e-waste is a problem that exists both during the manufacturing process and among users. The reason for this is that e-waste, such as computers, is not constructed with recycling in mind, and newer computers have most of their operating systems built-in, making it impossible to replace the hard drives. Quantifying the exact volume of e-waste imports in Nigeria has grown increasingly challenging due to the rampant illicit importation that surpasses the proper declaration process for these end-of-life e-wastes as second-hand items. The rate at which these waste streams are being discarded is increasing due to the growing worldwide market for electronics, which is far from reaching saturation. Additionally, the lifespan of electronic goods is decreasing, leading to a rise in outmoded equipment (Chinwetala et al., 2020). Mason et al (2017) and Cui & Fredrick (2018) assert that the generation, movement across borders, and disposal of electronic trash are becoming as significant concerns for professionals in solid waste management, environmentalists, international agencies, and governments worldwide.

Electronic waste is potentially dangerous due to the presence of hazardous elements like lead, beryllium, mercury, and cadmium. Improper handling or disposal of electronic waste can pose significant risks to both humans and the environment (Chinwetala et al., 2020). PCs are the second largest component in the e-waste stream, behind cathode ray tubes (CRTs), and they are rising rapidly. PCs also contain the highest quantity of printed wiring board (PWB) and electric products (Yin et al., 2017). PWBs are known to include several heavy metals and brominated flame-retardants (BFRs) that are hazardous to both humans and the environment (Yin et al., 2017; Veit et al., 20201; Ching-Hwa et al., 2004). Cathode ray tubes (CRTs) are utilised in the display screens of televisions and computers. They account for approximately two-thirds of the total weight of a television or computer monitor and are mostly constructed of 85% glass (Fernando et al., 2019). According to Chinwetala et al. (2020), televisions and computer cathode ray tubes (CRTs) provide a challenge when it comes to disposal due to their increasing prevalence in garbage and their significant contribution to lead contamination in municipal solid waste.

E-waste management in Cameroon involves a combination of institutional and informal initiatives. The formal sector, comprising government agencies and a select number of private enterprises, has insufficient capability to manage the increasing quantity of electronic trash. The government has implemented measures to tackle the problem, such as the implementation of legislation and regulations to regulate the import of e-waste and encourage appropriate disposal procedures (Nzeadibe et al., 2021). Nevertheless, the enforcement of regulations in this area is lacking in strength, and the informal sector still maintains control over e-waste management activities. The informal sector, although it plays a vital role in the gathering and reprocessing of electronic trash, functions with limited supervision and control. Informal recyclers commonly employ basic techniques, such as incinerating cables to extract metals, resulting in the emission of hazardous pollutants into the environment. These behaviours underscore the necessity for enhanced legislation, training, and assistance to enable informal recyclers to embrace safer and more environmentally-friendly techniques (Herat & Agamuthu, 2019).

The handling of electronic trash in Cameroon poses substantial obstacles that necessitate immediate action. The nation is confronted with escalating hazards to human health and the environment as a result of insufficient methods in managing electronic waste. To tackle these difficulties, it is necessary to adopt a comprehensive strategy that involves enhancing legal frameworks, enhancing infrastructure for the collection and recycling of electronic trash, and increasing public awareness on the risks associated with inappropriate disposal of electronic waste. This study aims to conduct a thorough evaluation of the hazards linked to electronic trash in Cameroon.

1.2 Statement of the problem

E-waste has emerged as a significant environmental and public health issue worldwide, especially in developing nations like Cameroon. The exponential growth in the utilisation of electronic devices, combined with the importation of pre-owned electronics, has resulted in a substantial surge in the production of electronic waste in Cameroon. Nevertheless, the nation lacks a comprehensive system for evaluating and controlling the hazards linked to electronic waste, resulting in significant harm to the environment and public health.

In Cameroon, the informal sector has a significant influence on the management of electronic trash, with widespread use of unregulated recycling methods. These practices frequently entail the manual disassembly of electronic devices and the deliberate incineration of cables to extract valuable materials, resulting in the discharge of harmful compounds into the environment (Xiang & Lou, 2021). The personnel engaged in operations using hazardous substances, such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, face substantial health hazards. These concerns also extend to the surrounding community (Grant et al., 2018). Moreover, the inappropriate disposal of electronic trash pollutes soil, water, and air, resulting in lasting environmental damage. Cameroon's inadequate legal structure and laws make it difficult to effectively manage e-waste, despite the clear concerns associated with it. The current regulations are fragmented and inadequate, resulting in ineffective enforcement and a lack of responsibility (Balde et al., 2017). The lack of an official e-waste management infrastructure worsens the situation, since the country mainly depends on informal recyclers who frequently lack the requisite skills and equipment to handle e-waste in a safe manner. Moreover, there is a dearth of public consciousness of the perils associated with electronic trash, resulting in haphazard disposal methods (Grey et al., 2018). 

Due to the growing amount of e-waste and the related dangers, it is crucial to promptly conduct a thorough evaluation of e-waste risk management in Cameroon. This study seeks to fill the significant deficiencies in e-waste management by assessing the existing methods, identifying the main obstacles, and suggesting efficient techniques to reduce the environmental and health hazards linked to e-waste.

1.3 Objectives of the study

The primary objective of this study is to critically Assess electronic waste risk assessment and management in Cameroon. Specific objectives of this study are to:

To identify the types of electronic waste generated in Cameroon

To assess the environmental and health risks associated with electronic waste in Cameroon

To examine the role of recycling sectors in electronic waste management in Cameroon

To identify the challenges affecting the management of e-waste in Cameroon

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 types of electronic waste generated in Cameroon? 

What are the environmental and health risks associated with electronic waste in Cameroon?

What is the role of recycling sectors in electronic waste management in Cameroon?

What are the challenges affecting the management of e-waste in Cameroon?

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:  There is no significant environmental and health risks associated with electronic waste in Cameroon.

Ha: There is a significant environmental and health risks associated with electronic waste in Cameroon.

1.6 Significance of the study

The study is of great significance in various aspects, such as environmental conservation, public health, economic progress, and policy creation. The research will provide valuable findings and insights that will enhance our understanding of the e-waste concerns in Cameroon. Additionally, it will offer practical solutions to effectively tackle these issues. The study will function as an extensive collection of information for governments, communities, the general public, scholars, and academics.

Electronic garbage, or e-waste, comprises dangerous elements such heavy metals, flame retardants, and other poisonous chemicals that provide significant environmental risks when not appropriately handled. Inadequate disposal methods, such as unrestricted incineration and unregulated dumping, result in the contamination of soil, water, and air, leading to persistent environmental deterioration. This study aims to examine the environmental consequences of existing e-waste management methods in Cameroon, with a particular focus on the necessity for more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives. The findings of this study will aid in formulating tactics to mitigate environmental contamination and encourage the conscientious disposal and recycling of electronic trash.

Moreover, the study will investigate the economic consequences of e-waste management in Cameroon, specifically focusing on the involvement of the informal sector. The study can enhance the establishment of sustainable employment and the advancement of an environmentally friendly economy by finding prospects for formalizing and overseeing the e-waste recycling sector. The formalization of the sector has the potential to enhance working conditions, boost resource recovery efficiency, and generate economic value from recycled materials. These changes could potentially have a beneficial impact on the eradication of poverty and the promotion of economic growth in Cameroon. 

Moreover, the inadequate management and disposal of electronic waste in Cameroon, specifically in the informal sector, put workers and local populations at risk of exposure to dangerous compounds, resulting in significant health hazards. The concerns encompass respiratory ailments, dermatological illnesses, neurological harm, and other health complications resulting from exposure to hazardous chemicals. This study will yield essential data that may be utilised to safeguard susceptible people and enhance public health results. By evaluating the potential health hazards linked to electronic waste. The study's results will bolster the creation of legislation and initiatives aimed at mitigating health hazards and advocating for safer techniques in managing electronic trash.

Additionally, a significant aspect of this study is to provide policymakers with information regarding the existing deficiencies and obstacles in the management of electronic waste in Cameroon. The study aims to offer evidence-based suggestions for fortifying the regulatory structure, bolstering enforcement mechanisms, and increasing the overall governance of e-waste management. The study will contribute to the development of more efficient regulations aimed at tackling the escalating issue of electronic waste in the nation. By providing valuable knowledge about international best practices and proposing ways to customize them to suit the specific circumstances in Cameroon.

Furthermore, the research will contribute to the current pool of scholarly information on the management of electronic trash, specifically in the context of poor nations such as Cameroon. The study will offer an in-depth examination of the hazards and strategies for handling electronic trash. It will be a great reference for researchers, students, and scholars interested in environmental management, public health, and sustainable development. Additionally, it will create opportunities for additional study on related subjects, such as the socio-economic consequences of electronic waste and the efficacy of different management approaches.

1.7 Scope of the study

Broadly, this study focus is to critically Assess electronic waste risk assessment and management in Cameroon. Empirically, the study will discuss the link between unemployment and poverty rates in Cameroon, the impact of unemployment on household income in Cameroon, he impacts of unemployment on household consumption pattern in Cameroon and the socioeconomic implications of long term unemployment in Cameroon. 

 Geographically, the study will be carried out in Beau, Cameroon. 

    1.8 Limitations of the study

During the examination, the researchers observed intrinsic constraints that exist in all human behaviours. The primary constraint was the dearth of comprehensive literature on the topic, stemming from the paucity of data on an assessment of electronic waste risk assessment and management in 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, primarily centred on Cameroon. Hence, the applicability of the results obtained in this study is limited, emphasizing the necessity for additional research. 

Furthermore, the researcher's shortcomings were predominantly attributed to financial restraints, as they are a student with inadequate financial resources to support themselves. The excessively high transportation fees at the research 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 meeting 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.

Risk assessment: Risk assessment is a systematic process of identifying hazards and evaluating any associated risks within a workplace, then implementing reasonable control measures to remove or reduce them

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