Comparative Studies on E-Waste Disposal Practices in Developing Countries and their Environmental Effects: An Example between Guiyu, China and Agbogbloshie, Ghana

E-waste disposal continues to be one of the major environmental concerns across the globe. The method of disposal varies from one region to another. In developing countries, the primitive methods that are employed during the recycling activity pose severe risks to public health and the environment at large. The present study was carried out to ascertain the current practices in Guiyu and Agbogbloshie. The environmental effects of these activities were also evaluated. Prudent solutions were finally proposed. Data were extracted from peer-reviewed articles, books, and reports identified using Web of ScienceSM, PubMed, Google, and document reference lists. The study indicated that the quantities of e-waste that are dumped in the respective areas are rising at an escalating rate despite a ban on the importation of this waste type. The crude methods that are adopted in both areas include manual dismantling, open burning as well as indiscriminate dumping. These activities were observed to release huge chemical contaminants into the air, water and soil. This has dire impact on the environment. The study proposed that to help curb the menace, appropriate measures must be ensured. These include the integration of the informal recycling sector into the formal sector through capacity building of the informal recyclers. Effective recycling systems must also be adopted to minimize the effects on public health and the environment. Strict regulations must also be implemented since the ban is already in place in the areas under consideration. This study adds to the effort already in place to address the issue. Considering the acute paucity of data on the e-waste practices in the respective areas especially on the amount generated as well as the environmental effects, this topic may merit further studies.