Proper Inventorization Of E-Waste In Companies As An E-Waste Management Strategy In Kenya

Abstract

E-waste is considered to be growing faster than any other waste stream in the globe. While many countries have invested in recycling of e-waste, most of it ends up in dumpsites. For this reason, it is important for a solution to be found upstream rather than downstream through reducing the amount of e-waste produced by consumers especially companies. Nonetheless, most companies in Kenya do not have data on the amount of e-waste they produce partly because of the complexity in inventorization of e-waste. Lack of data limits waste management action. Moreover, companies do not take action of reducing e-waste because they are unaware of the health hazard of e-wastes. The aim of the study was identifying the factors that need to be considered in developing an e-waste inventory system for use in companies. It also aimed at determining the costing methods for e-waste and finally coming up with an inventory system that could be used for monitoring the amount of e-waste produced by companies. Mixed method of research was used for the research. Data was collected through interviews, observation, literature review and questionnaires. Data analysis indicated that having an e-waste management system raises awareness about the hazardous components in ICT equipment as well as their effect both to health and environment. As a result, organizations take e-waste management actions aimed at reducing the amount of e-waste they produce. Some of the e-waste reduction action identified includes buying high-end ICT equipment, reuse and refurbishing, purchasing ICT equipment that have more than one uses, developing policies specific to disposal of e-waste, collaborating with manufacturers and vendors, proper maintenance and purchasing environmental friendly ICT equipment. Some of the factors that need to be considered in developing an e-waste inventory system include weight, cost, risk factor and type of e-waste. The result indicated that the cost incurred by company as a v result of producing e-waste can be estimated by calculating the cost of storage as well as the cost of transporting it to the point of disposal. The e-waste inventory system developed is capable of capturing data on the type of e-waste whether computer, photocopy or an accessory, its weight and the cost incurred. After capturing this data the system generate information on the hazardous components on the equipment and its environmental and health effect. The conclusion made is that proper inventorization of e-waste can lead encourage e-waste management actions aimed at reducing the amount of e-waste produced in companies. Testing of the system would take a long time given that companies generate e-waste after at least one year; meaning that it is not possible to collect this information within the limited time allowed for this project. Further research is recommended to test the system and determine its effectiveness in organizations. Key Words: E-waste, inventory system, companies, lack of data, costing of e-waste.