AN EVALUATION OF THE PUBLIC'S ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIOURS TOWARDS THE HANDLING OF ELECTRONIC WASTE IN CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

There has been a recent surge in the importation of trash electrical and electronic equipment in Cameroon. This situation highlights the need for raising knowledge about proper disposal of e-waste in order to minimize the negative impact it has on human health and the environment. E-waste is generated when electronic appliances or equipment become obsolete, non-functional, or even impaired. Grey product waste has a higher level of toxicity compared to both white and brown product waste. Disposing and recycling this particular kind of waste poses a substantial difficulty in both developed and developing countries (Oteng-Ababio, 2022). E-waste is a term that encompasses obsolete electronic and electrical (EE) equipment, as well as waste generated by any equipment powered by electricity or a battery, including EE laboratory equipment, personal computers, laptops, televisions, MP3 players, and other discarded equipment (Kumar, 2019).

There is a worldwide rise in electronic waste (e-waste) due to technological advancements, industrial development, population growth, and economic expansion (Needhidasan et al., 2018), (Bhutta et al., 2021). Additionally, the lifespan of electronic products is decreasing rapidly, making them one of the most hazardous waste materials generated in the present era.  Further investigation reveals that e-waste presents significant challenges for urban authorities in developing nations, as the majority of them lack the necessary infrastructure to effectively manage the environment (Oteng-Ababio, 2018). Developed nations utilize a greater amount of electronic equipment compared to poor nations, resulting in a higher production of e-waste inside their borders. However, these developed nations have established effective e-waste management systems that include specific legislation for electronic waste management (Raharjo & Utomo, 2021).

Brigden et al. (2018) argue that the general population is unknowingly leaving behind hazardous traces. Cameroon, although having legislation in place to govern electronic trash, does not have any requirement to properly handle its electronic waste. As a result, it mostly relies on importing electronic gadgets. Proper disposal of electronic waste is a complex task that requires advanced knowledge, comprehension, and awareness among the general population regarding its detrimental effects. E-waste is a significant contributor to environmental pollution and poses a threat to human health due to the presence of toxic compounds (Kumar & Singh, 2018). Failure of electronic waste managers to prioritize environmental management can lead to unregulated contamination of significant metals and toxic compounds that pose a threat to our environment (Wahyono et al., 2017). 

Owusu-Sekyere et al. (2018) investigated the patterns and processes involved in the management of electronic waste in Tamale, Ghana. This study investigated several disposal methods and the factors that influenced their acceptance in Tamale, an expanding metropolis in northern Ghana. The data for the study were collected through several approaches, such as a questionnaire survey and interviews with key informants. The primary methods of disposing of electronic garbage that arose were selling it to scrap merchants and donating it. The age, education level, and income of the respondents were affected by the implemented management practices. In a study conducted by Jadhav (2023), it was observed that effective management of electronic garbage (e-waste) will lead to efficient acquisition and categorization of materials, ultimately transforming e-waste into a lucrative economic venture. Policymakers are responsible for both the entire production process of products and their sustainable management. Key considerations for creating a product that adheres to environmentally-friendly standards and facilitates efficient recycling include careful selection of raw materials, as well as thoughtful product and process design. Additionally, it is crucial to take into account effective administration and correct techniques for disposing of electronic trash.

Moletsane and Venter (2018) examined the detrimental effects of toxic metals derived from electronic waste on human health, wildlife, and the environment. Based on the statistics, there is no single optimal method for completely eliminating e-waste and its associated problems. The inadequate handling of electronic trash is mostly attributed to a deficiency in suitable education, leading to a limited degree of consciousness. The findings of this research indicate that the key aspects that have the greatest impact on effective and proper management of electronic waste, namely through environmentally friendly information technology practices, are awareness and sufficient education. Sahu (2019) conducted an evaluation of the management of electronic waste in India. The article aimed to gather information on the present condition of e-waste production, data on the constituents and toxic substances in e-waste that are contaminating the environment and exposing humans to these chemicals, and the adverse effects of e-waste recycling, incineration, and landfill disposal. India's current e-waste management procedures were found to have several shortcomings, such as inadequate legislation, difficulties in inventory management, health hazards associated with informal recycling, lack of awareness, and corporate resistance to addressing critical issues.

The increase in electronic trash in Cameroon has become a significant environmental issue, mostly because of the insufficient infrastructure for its appropriate handling and the increasing necessity for public knowledge and involvement in safe disposal methods. E-waste encompasses a diverse array of abandoned electronic devices, including mobile phones, laptops, televisions, and household appliances. Many of these devices include harmful elements such as lead, mercury, and cadmium (Baldé et al., 2017). Research has indicated that in Cameroon, the informal sector is responsible for the management of the majority of electronic waste, and this sector often employs risky recycling methods. These procedures frequently entail the manual disassembly and incineration of electronic components to extract valuable materials, resulting in the emission of hazardous pollutants into the environment and presenting significant health hazards to workers and neighboring people (Ndiaye et al., 2018). The lack of formal e-waste management in Cameroon is a reflection of the larger problem of inadequate government regulation and enforcement, which has enabled these dangerous practices to continue.

The success of e-waste management is heavily influenced by public attitudes and behaviors. Cameroon has sufficient public awareness of the environmental and health hazards linked to inappropriate disposal of electronic trash. A significant number of consumer exhibit either a lack of knowledge or apathy towards the potential hazards associated with toxic substances included in electronic items. Consequently, this has resulted in the prevalent practice of disposing of electronic waste in regular waste streams or informal dumping sites (Boni et al., 2021). The limited availability of official recycling and disposal facilities exacerbates the lack of awareness, hence discouraging appropriate treatment of e-waste (Mafoua et al., 2019). Furthermore, cultural and socio-economic factors exert a substantial impact on the way people in Cameroon behave in relation to the management of electronic trash. The exorbitant price of new electronic equipment frequently results in the extended utilisation of outdated or pre-owned gadgets, which postpones the moment of disposal but also contributes to the accumulation of obsolete devices that are ultimately disposed inappropriately. Moreover, the problem is worsened by the absence of educational and outreach programs specifically designed to inform the public about safe methods of disposing electronic waste (Mafoua et al., 2019). Gaining insight into the public's attitudes and behaviours about the handling of electronic trash is crucial in order to devise efficient solutions to address this escalating issue. Therefore, the necessity for doing this investigation arises.

1.2 Statement of the problem

The inadequate handling of electronic trash (e-waste) presents substantial environmental and public health hazards, especially in developing nations such as Cameroon. With the increasing use of electronic gadgets, there is a corresponding increase in the production of e-waste, which contains harmful elements including lead, mercury, and cadmium. The presence of these hazardous substances can permeate the soil and water, resulting in pollution that can cause enduring consequences on ecosystems and human well-being (Baldé et al., 2017).

In Cameroon, the management of electronic waste is mainly done through informal means, lacking the infrastructure and legislative frameworks to facilitate appropriate disposal and recycling methods. One significant element that contributes to the inefficient handling of electronic trash is the public's attitudes and behaviors around its disposal. A significant number of inhabitants lack awareness regarding the environmental and health hazards linked to incorrect management of electronic trash. Consequently, they commonly dispose of electronic gadgets in regular rubbish or sell them to informal recyclers who frequently utilize risky procedures (Boni et al., 2021). The insufficient dissemination of information and instruction regarding the hazards associated with electronic trash, combined with restricted availability of authorized recycling facilities, intensifies the issue. Despite the collective endeavors of governmental and non-governmental organizations to enhance the management of electronic trash (e-waste), there still exists a substantial disparity between the established policies and the actual behavior of the general people. The existence of this gap is evident in the continuous utilization of informal and dangerous techniques for disposing of electronic trash, which not only pose a risk to public health but also hinder the establishment of a sustainable e-waste management system in Cameroon (Mafoua et al., 2019). Furthermore, socio-economic variables such as poverty and the exorbitant expenses associated with purchasing new electronic equipment have a significant impact on public conduct. This is evident as individuals are more inclined to engage in the practices of reusing or selling their old gadgets rather than appropriately disposing of them. This behavior, albeit economically rational, leads to the accumulation of obsolete equipment that are ultimately disposed of in environmentally detrimental manners (Ndiaye et al., 2018). 

Due to the significant consequences of mishandling electronic trash, it is imperative to assess and tackle the public's attitudes and actions around e-waste management in Cameroon. Gaining insight into these attitudes and behaviors is essential for the development of impactful public education programs, enhancing the availability of formal recycling services, and eventually mitigating the environmental and health consequences of e-waste. This study aims to determine the primary elements that influence public views and behaviors about the disposal of electronic garbage (e-waste) in Cameroon. The goal is to gather information that can be used to develop policies and strategies for more sustainable management of e-waste in the country.

Objectives of the study

The primary objective of this study is to critically evaluate Public's Attitudes and Behaviors Towards the Handling of Electronic Waste in Cameroon. Specific objectives of this study are to:

To evaluate the level of awareness among the public regarding the environmental and health impacts of improper e-waste disposal in Cameroon

To analyze public perception towards toward risk associated with e-waste mismanagement in Cameroon

To assess public perception on the importance of recycling e-waste in Cameroon

To identify key factors that influence public attitudes and behaviors towards e-waste management

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 is the level of awareness among the public regarding the environmental and health impacts of improper e-waste disposal in Cameroon? 

What is the public perception towards toward risk associated with e-waste mismanagement in Cameroon?

What is the public perception on the importance of recycling e-waste in Cameroon?

 What are the factors that influence public attitudes and behaviors towards e-waste management?

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 level of awareness among the public regarding the environmental and health impacts of improper e-waste disposal in Cameroon is low.

Ha: The level of awareness among the public regarding the environmental and health impacts of improper e-waste disposal in Cameroon is high

1.6 Significance of the study

An assessment of the Cameroonian public's attitudes and behaviors regarding the management of electronic trash (e-waste) has far-reaching consequences in areas such as environmental sustainability, public health, economic efficiency, and policy formulation. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of these factors is essential for developing efficient methods to tackle the increasing problem of electronic trash in the nation.

Effective e-waste treatment is crucial for reducing environmental deterioration caused by toxic chemicals present in electronic equipment. This study seeks to discover deficiencies in knowledge and behavior that lead to incorrect disposal of electronic waste by evaluating public attitudes and actions. By addressing these deficiencies, it is possible to enhance recycling activities and minimize the environmental consequences, so promoting the overarching objective of sustainable urban development.

Furthermore, E-waste frequently harbors hazardous substances that might result in significant health repercussions if not appropriately disposed of. Gaining insight into the public's views regarding e-waste can facilitate the identification of any misunderstandings or obstacles that hinder people from participating in safe disposal methods. By emphasizing these concerns, the research can help to efforts targeted at mitigating health hazards linked to e-waste exposure, therefore enhancing community health outcomes.

Furthermore, the adoption of effective e-waste management strategies could result in economic benefits. Implementing efficient recycling techniques can recover valuable resources such as gold, silver, and rare earth elements, thus strengthening the local economy. Furthermore, improving e-waste management could lead to a reduction in costs associated with environmental cleanup and healthcare spending related to pollution-induced diseases.

Furthermore, efficient e-waste management has the potential to retrieve valuable resources like precious metals and rare earth elements, resulting in economic advantages. An assessment of public attitudes and actions towards e-waste can assist in identifying barriers to involvement in official recycling initiatives, thereby providing suggestions for improving economic effectiveness by implementing more efficient recycling methods. In addition, decreasing incorrect disposal can result in cost reductions related to environmental remediation and public health initiatives.

Furthermore, this study can offer significant data for policymakers to develop and execute more efficient e-waste management regulations. Gaining insight into public attitudes and behaviors can aid in developing focused educational programs, enhancing infrastructure, and enforcing rules that more effectively cater to the requirements and circumstances of the population. This can result in the development of more pragmatic and regionally applicable strategies that promote increased involvement and adherence within the community.

Additionally, this research will enhance the dissemination of knowledge regarding the significance of appropriate e-waste disposal. The project aims to analyze the underlying causes of existing attitudes and behaviors in order to provide valuable insights for the design of educational programs. These programs will be tailored to target specific misconceptions and encourage responsible practices in the handling of electronic trash.

Moreover, this study enriches the existing comprehension of e-waste management by presenting significant data and analysis derived from public viewpoints, which might serve as a valuable resource for future research and scholarly discussions. The discoveries have the potential to result in practical applications and initiatives that can be advantageous to households, regulatory agencies, and local communities.

1.7 Scope of the study

Broadly, this study focus is to critically evaluate Public's Attitudes and Behaviors Towards the Handling of Electronic Waste in Cameroon. Specifically, this study seeks to evaluate the level of awareness among the public regarding the environmental and health impacts of improper e-waste disposal in Cameroon and analyze public perception towards toward risk associated with e-waste mismanagement in Cameroon. 

Further, this study will focus on assessing public perception on the importance of recycling e-waste in Cameroon and it also seeks to identify key factors that influence public attitudes and behaviors towards e-waste management.

 The study is carried out in Cameroon. 

1.8 Limitations of the study

During the analysis, the researchers noted inherent limits that are present in all human behaviors. The main limitation was the lack of extensive literature on the topic, which was due to the scarcity of data on an assessment of the public's attitudes and behaviors towards the management of electronic waste in Cameroon. Consequently, a significant allocation of time and exertion was necessary to determine the appropriate resources, books, or information and gather data. 

Furthermore, this study is constrained by its small sample size and confined geographical scope, mostly focused on Cameroon. Therefore, the generalizability of the findings from this study is restricted, highlighting the need for more research. 

Moreover, the limitations faced by the researcher were primarily due to financial constraints, as they are a student who lacks the requisite financial means to sustain themselves. The exorbitant transportation rates at the research site posed a challenge in meeting the financial obligations related to transportation expenses.

Furthermore, the researcher faced a time constraint due to the need to do this research while simultaneously fulfilling the obligations of attending lectures and participating in other educational pursuits.

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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