Introduction
As technology advances, old or broken electronic devices are often thrown away without proper handling. These items known as electronic waste (e-waste) can harm the environment and human health if not properly managed.
This topic helps learners understand what e-waste is, how it affects society and nature, and what actions can be taken to handle it responsibly. Learners will also explore the role of various stakeholders like schools, communities, government, and industries in managing e-waste safely and sustainably.
What Is Electronic Waste (E-Waste)?
E-Waste refers to discarded electrical or electronic devices that are no longer useful, such as old computers, phones, printers, batteries, and TVs. These items often contain toxic materials like lead, mercury, or lithium, which can pollute soil and water if dumped carelessly.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this topic, learners should be able to:
a) Explain the Meaning of E-Waste Management
(Knowledge | Understanding)
Key Ideas & Examples:
E-Waste includes devices like:
Broken smartphones
Dead batteries
Old televisions
Discarded printers
Non-functional chargers
E-Waste management involves:
Proper collection and disposal
Recycling usable parts
Preventing environmental pollution
Encouraging public awareness
b) Apply Different Approaches in Managing Electronic Waste
(Understanding | Skills | Values)
Practical Management Approaches:
Recycling – Reprocessing materials for reuse (e.g., melting metals).
Donations – Giving usable electronics to schools or community centers.
Take-back Programs – Returning used electronics to sellers or manufacturers.
Safe Disposal – Using designated bins for batteries and electronics.
Reducing E-Waste – Buying only necessary gadgets or repairing instead of replacing.
c) Identify Key Stakeholders and Their Roles in E-Waste Management
(Knowledge | Understanding | Skills | Values)
Effective e-waste management requires cooperation between different groups in society. These are the main stakeholders, each playing a unique role in reducing, managing, and raising awareness about electronic waste:
Main Stakeholders:
Government – Enacts policies, provides disposal facilities.
Industries – Should produce eco-friendly electronics and run take-back schemes.
Schools – Teach awareness and manage school e-waste responsibly.
Communities – Collect e-waste and participate in campaigns.
Individuals – Reduce, reuse, donate, and dispose of electronics correctly.
1. Government
Governments play a leadership and regulatory role.
Key Roles:
Policy Making – Drafting laws and regulations on how electronic waste should be collected, recycled, or disposed of.
Example: Uganda’s National Environment Act mandates safe disposal of hazardous waste, including electronics.
Providing Collection Points – Setting up safe drop-off centers for old electronics in towns or urban areas.
Enforcement – Monitoring illegal dumping and punishing polluters.
Funding Programs – Supporting recycling plants or awareness campaigns.
Public Education – Running national campaigns to inform citizens about the dangers of e-waste.
2. Electronics Manufacturers and Retailers (Industries)
Companies that produce and sell electronics have a duty to manage the waste their products create.
Key Roles:
Designing Eco-Friendly Products – Using materials that are easier to recycle and less harmful.
Take-Back Programs – Allowing customers to return used gadgets (e.g. phones, laptops) for safe disposal or reuse.
Example: Some brands like Samsung or Apple accept old devices for recycling or trade-in.
Recycling Partnerships – Collaborating with certified recyclers to handle waste safely.
Product Labelling – Providing guidance on how to dispose of products responsibly.
3. Schools and Educational Institutions
Schools play an important role in shaping the knowledge, attitude, and behaviour of learners and the surrounding community.
Key Roles:
Creating Awareness – Teaching students about the dangers of improper e-waste disposal.
Practical Management – Collecting and safely storing broken computers, printers, and other devices.
Community Engagement – Organizing clean-up drives or donation campaigns involving students and parents.
ICT Integration – Encouraging learners to use technology to design awareness posters, infographics, or reports on e-waste.
Example: A school project on “How to Safely Dispose of Old Batteries” can be shared during assembly.
4. Local Communities and Citizens
Everyone in society contributes to e-waste, so individuals and local groups must take responsibility too.
Key Roles:
Safe Disposal – Avoiding dumping of old electronics in open areas or pits.
Reusing or Donating – Giving usable electronics to schools, charities, or neighbors.
Example: Donating an old phone to a student who cannot afford one instead of throwing it away.
Participating in Clean-Ups – Joining local efforts to collect and sort e-waste.
Demanding Accountability – Asking businesses or leaders to provide proper disposal options or enforce rules.
5. Environmental Organizations and NGOs
These groups promote environmental conservation and often support e-waste campaigns.
Key Roles:
Running Awareness Campaigns – Organizing training sessions, school programs, and media outreach on the dangers of e-waste.
Supporting Recycling Centres – Helping to establish community-level recycling or repair hubs.
Advocacy and Research – Pushing for better laws and publishing reports on e-waste statistics.
Example: An NGO might work with youth clubs to start a mobile collection drive for old gadgets in rural areas.
Suggested Learning Activities
To build skills and awareness, the following learning activities are recommended:
1. Group Research on E-Waste Management
Learners investigate the meaning and dangers of e-waste.
Share good practices like donating, recycling, or responsible disposal.
2. Explain the Importance of E-Waste Management
Discuss the effects of careless dumping:
Soil and water pollution
Toxic fumes from burning electronics
Health risks (e.g., lead poisoning)
3. Develop a Public Awareness Campaign
Use posters, infographics, or social media (with ICT tools) to teach others how to manage e-waste.
4. Create School E-Waste Guidelines
Learners draft a basic plan for how their school can:
Collect old devices
Store safely
Partner with local recyclers or drop-off centers
5. Role Play Key Stakeholders
Act out scenarios showing how government, citizens, and businesses can work together to reduce e-waste.
Example: A group could present a skit showing a government official explaining new recycling laws to students and local shopkeepers.
ICT Pastpapers with E-waste Management scenarios question’s
ICT Uneb sample download and scoring guide new curricullum
UNEB ICT 2024 theory past paper download pdf
UCE ICT PRACTICALS UNEB PAST PAPER 2024 (COMPUTER PRACTICALS)