Leveraging Life Cycle Assessment and System Dynamics Model Analysis for an Integrated Household E-Waste Management System in Yaoundé, Cameroon

Abstract

Electronic waste (E-waste) is a global environmental issue and a contemporary challenge in developing countries, where implementing sustainable E-waste management policies is required to mitigate the adverse impacts of inappropriate treatment and disposal. This study assesses the environmental and human health impacts of the current E-waste management system in Yaoundé. The study then proposes an integrated E-waste management system (IEMS) with policy instruments for increased formal E-waste collection and reduced environmental impacts from informal E-waste treatment. Life cycle assessment (LCA) was utilized to identify high-impact contributing processes within the current E-waste management system (EMS) and to determine the optimum scenario for an integrated system. The system dynamics model (SDM) analysis ascertained the efficiency of the E-waste policy under the IEMS. Results show that the IEMS can reduce global warming potential, fine particulate matter formation, and human carcinogenic toxicity from one ton of E-waste treatment by 27%, 16.3%, and 34%, respectively. Regarding the policy efficiency simulation for the IEMS, the policy instrument (Policy 1), with levies on electronic appliance producers, proved environmentally efficient in reducing the quantity of informal recycling. It was also more economically viable for the recycling fund to increase formal E-waste collection and subsidize formal treatment within the context of the IEMS. The study outcome is informative for E-waste management policy planning in developing economies.