A Comprehensive Review on Challenges and Opportunities of e-waste Management Practices in Ethiopia

In this paper, the review of the challenges and opportunities of e-waste management practices around the globe in general and in Ethiopia, in particular, was discussed thoroughly. Recently published papers in a reputable national and international journal: original papers, review papers, short communication papers and national and international policies were reviewed. The definition, amount, effect, management practices, challenges and opportunities of e-waste were also described well. Electronic waste (e-waste) denotes all kinds of electrical electronic equipment (EEE) and its components that have been rejected or donated by their owner as waste without the intent of reuse. Recently, e-waste is also generated from nanoelectronics devices and systems. EEE generation is increasing daily and distributed throughout the world including developing and underdeveloped countries like Ethiopia. In Ethiopia, education institutions, industries and individuals' homes are the major consumers of EEE so they can generate an equivalent amount of e-waste. There are proclamations in Ethiopia regarding hazardous wastes in general and e-waste in particular management and disposal control practices but are not functioning at all. E-waste has resulted in environmental pollution by polybrominated diphenyl ethers and polychlorinated biphenyl, human health problems range from kidney and liver injury to neurological illness. Even human cancer will also be caused by e-waste. Therefore proper and better e-waste management mechanisms should be designed and implemented in our country, Ethiopia. There should also be separate legislation regarding nano e-waste management in the country. Keywords: E-waste, Legislation, Ethiopia, WEEE, Nano e-waste