HOUSEHOLD E-WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN GWANDA TOWN, ZIMBABWE

Abstract

This study investigates household e-waste management practices at Ward 9, Gwanda in Zimbabwe. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used in which a sample of 125 participants was selected through random sampling with the aim of determining the nature, quantities and management practices of electronic waste in the study area. Data was collected through the use of a pre-tested questionnaire and key informant interviews. Observation pictures were also taken to document the methods used by households to manage the e-waste. Collected data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 and presented using tables and graphs. The study found that on average each household unit generated the following quantities and types of e-waste: electrical irons (0.68±0.68), kettles (0.53±0.50), stoves (0.34±0.54), televisions (0.26±0.44) and decoders (0.18±0.44). With regards to household e-waste management, 54.4% of the participants reported that they disposed of it in designated sites, 24.8 % kept it at their homes, 15.2 % burnt or incinerated it and only 5.2 % sold it to recyclers. In light of these findings, this investigation concludes that residents use unsustainable household e-waste management practices which may endanger their environment and personal health. The study recommends that waste managers of Gwanda municipality and the Environmental Management Agency should (i) conduct e-waste awareness campaigns to households in order to improve on management practices, (ii) develop a sound e-waste management strategy, and (iii) consider strengthening the efforts on e-waste recycling.  Article visualizations: