Used and waste electronics flows into Nigeria: Assessment of the quantities, types, sources, and functionality status

Large quantities of Used Electrical and Electronic Equipment (UEEE) are often exported to developing countries from developed countries. This type of trade, if not well regulated, creates opportunities for illegal exportation and trans-boundary movement of wastes. This study focused on Nigeria and assessed the quantities, types, sources, conditions and functional status of UEEE imported into Nigeria through the Lagos ports between 2015 and 2016. The assessment approach involved the physical inspection of containers conveying UEEE, consolidated by the review of import documents. It was observed that about 60,000 tons of UEEE are imported per year, and about 11% (~6000 t) are non-functional. Approximately 41,500 t of the UEEE imports (~70%) arrived as used devices stuffed into vehicles imported through the Roll-on-Roll off ships, while the rest, about 18,300 t, were imported in containers - either as UEEE only in containers (8800 t; 14%) or UEEE stuffed into containerized vehicles (9500 t; ~16%). Various categories of electronics were observed among the imported UEEEs. About 77% of these imports originated from European ports, many of which were not tested and properly documented before export or on arrival in Nigeria. The main imports from Europe were from Germany, United Kingdom and Belgium comprising 20.0%, 19.5% and 9.4% respectively while imports from China and USA were about 9.3% each. Approximately 81% of the UEEE tested were found to be functional. Imports of banned Cathode Ray Television (CRT) TV/monitor constitute about 260 t/y mostly from China (23%) and USA (15%).The methodology developed in this study could be adapted and replicated in other developing countries with similarly complex situations like Nigeria. Strict enforcement of the relevant regulations which restricts the importation of non-functional UEEE and enshrines extended producer responsibility is key to the regulation of e-waste trade and effective e-waste management.