Evaluation of Electronic Waste Management Practices Among Electronic Service Technicians in Ho Municipality, Ghana

Currently, Ghana's massive electronic waste (e-waste) problem threatens the ecosystem and human well-being. This study analyses e-waste management and recycling practices among one of the key players in the industry to raise awareness and develop plans to implement advanced policy strategies and recycling programme for Ho municipality, the regional capital of the Volta region, and Ghana at large. In March and May 2022, 150 electronic service technicians were randomly sampled. Data was entered and analysed using SPSS 16. One sample T-test, Likert scale, and binary logistic regression were employed to analyze the data. The survey found that repairers were unaware of government laws and e-waste disposal practices. The likelihood of being aware of government laws and legislation was associated with qualification: 5.066 (95% CI: 1.098–3.860), p = 0.024 (<0.05). Respondents perceived, on average, that e-waste harms the environment, but they lacked awareness regarding the perilous substances present in e-waste. E-waste storage and sale to scrap dealers are the two dominant e-waste management options that have emerged. In terms of recycling methods, the majority of participants (52%) preferred paying a token for e-waste recycling. These gaps highlight the need for stakeholders to publicize appropriate methods to recycle e-waste and the associated legal framework across all members of the Ghana Electronic Service Technicians’ Association (GESTA) social media platforms in conjunction with local government assemblies to reshape repairers' perceptions of e-waste and increase environmental awareness