Disconnect between policy and practice in developing countries: Evidence of managing e-waste from Nigeria

Abstract

There are insufficient management functions that begin with planning, institutional arrangements and technical handling of e-waste materials in Nigeria. Modern trends in recycling still fall short of global practices. This study examined Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) management strategies in Southeastern Nigeria with a view to suggesting appropriate implementable measures. It used an investigative approach through questionnaire administration. Twenty local government areas were purposively selected from five mutually exclusive strata of states. Data from 36 government agencies/offices were analyzed using percentage and linear multiple regression. Results revealed that WEEE management strategies were inadequate. The study concluded that WEEE management strategies were inapt and poorly implemented. Regulatory bodies should therefore urgently embrace and adopt appropriate management strategies, conduct periodic inventories of WEEE types and quantity and encourage the set-up and enforcement of cutting edge standards for modern facilities designated for the disposal of e-waste materials.