E-Waste Management at Egerton University Library, Njoro Campus, Kenya

Abstract

lectronic waste (e-waste) comprises of discarded computers, office electronic equipment, electronic entertainment devices, mobile phones, television sets and refrigerators. They include electronics equipment that are destined for reuse, resale, salvage, recycle or disposal because they are either old, have reached end-of-life cycle or have ceased to be of any value to their owners. The aim of the study was to establish the state of e-waste management at Egerton University Library for the purposes of promoting conducive and safe working environment for the staff and students. Sustainability helix model was adopted as the theoretical framework. Purposive sampling was used to obtain a sample of 50 respondents from the University Library. Other respondents included the HoDs of Departments of ICT, Procurement and Environmental Science. Data was collected using questionnaires, interviews and observation. Survey research paradigm was used. Tables and texts were used to present the data. Qualitative data analysis method was used to analyze the data. The study established that generation of e-waste is inevitable and libraries and information centres and users of electronics must find a suitable framework that ensures efficient and effective management of all resulting e-wastes. The study proposed sustainability helix model that explains a comprehensive response for dealing with e-waste. The model indicates that upper management support is necessary and the adoption of a formal e-waste policy that would introduce guidelines for responsible management of e-wastes from all premises.