Quantification of electronic/electric waste and the associated environmental risks: a case of Kampala City

Abstract

The rapid increase in e-waste has become a critical environmental and public health concern in Uganda. According to NITA-U, 2020, e-waste management systems in Uganda remain inadequate, leading to improper disposal and recycling practices that worsen environmental pollution and health risks. This study investigated the quantification of e-waste and the associated environmental risks in Kampala City. Specifically, the study aimed at; characterizing the e-waste generated, determining its rate of generation, and assessing the environmental risks associated with e-waste management practices in Kampala. A mixed- methods research design was employed. Primary data was collected in two ways. The first part involved the survey method in the five divisions of Kampala: Central, Rubaga, Nakawa, Rubaga, Makindye, and Kawempe. The second part of the primary data involved collecting soil samples from areas deemed to be highly contaminated such as Kalerwe/Bwaise, Kisenyi, and Usafi market. Secondary data was obtained from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) between 1995 and 2020, a period of 25 years. This study used exploratory data analysis particularly, bar charts to visually analyze the classification of e-waste generated by households, businesses, and institutions. The study employed a multiple linear regression model to quantify the e-waste while the multinomial logistic regression was utilized to determine the environmental risks associated with e-waste management practices in Kampala. Results indicated that the e-waste generated in Kampala City predominantly consists of mobile phones (including smart and simple phones), followed by TV and media devices (such as DVD players, VCRs, MP3, and CD players), computers (including cameras, printers, and desktop computers), water heating equipment (such as kettles and percolators), cooking and lighting equipment (such as cookers, gas cylinders, and bulbs), refrigerators and washing machines (including microwaves and air conditioning units), and other miscellaneous items. Consumers were the primary generators followed by collectors, recyclers, manufacturers, and importers. Over the 25 years, the regression model revealed that 75 metric tons were generated in Kampala city, and other factors held constant. Among the classifications of e-waste, temperature exchange equipment, screens/monitors, large equipment (excluding photo equipment), and small equipment significantly predicted growth in the total quantities of e-waste generated. Soil samples from three Kampala areas show significant lead contamination, at Usafi Market, the lead concentration is 2.7 mg/kg, at Kisenyi it is 1.8 mg/kg, and at Kalerwe it is 7.4 mg/kg indicating that Kalerwe poses environmental risk 3 times that of Usafi market and 4 times that of Kisenyi market. This poses serious environmental and health risks, including neurological damage, developmental issues, and water contamination, indicating a potential threat to public health. Findings from this study revealed that Kalerwe is a critical hotspot for lead contamination, necessitating urgent interventions to mitigate environmental risks. Therefore, targeted restoration efforts, stricter environmental monitoring, and public awareness campaigns should be prioritized in Kalerwe to reduce lead exposure and safeguard public health.