Sustainability of an electronic waste recycling plant in Kenya

Abstract

The rise of technological innovation has brought with it an increase of electronic waste which causes environmental and health problems. This paper highlights the informal electronic waste recycling practices mostly used in developing nations and the dangers that come with it. The paper first investigates the amount of mobile phone electronic waste generated in Kenya annually. This is done through a questionnaire to find out the rate at which people change their mobile phones. It then seeks to investigate the sustainability of an electronic waste recycling plant in Kenya by modelling costs and revenues of such a plant over time as to whether such a plant can be self-sufficient. In order to test sustainability of the plant, an excel model is developed comprising of three major components; collection, recycling and refurbishment with relevant costs and revenues stated at each stage. This research will provide a foundation for establishment of an electronic waste recycling facility.