Environmental and health impacts of unsustainable waste electrical and electronic equipment recycling practices in Nigeria's informal sector

The rapid growth of the Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) industry has led to an increase in Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) generation in Nigeria. The informal sector plays a significant role in WEEE recycling, but unsustainable practices pose environmental and health risks. Unsustainable EEE recycling practices in Nigeria's informal sector result in environmental pollution, health hazards, and economic losses. The lack of regulation, inadequate infrastructure, and limited awareness exacerbate the problem, putting the health of recyclers, communities, and the environment at risk. This review synthesizes existing literature on the environmental and health impacts of unsustainable EEE recycling practices in Nigeria's informal sector. Informal WEEE recycling practices in Nigeria are characterized by primitive techniques, such as burning and dismantling, leading to air, water, and soil pollution. Cultural and socioeconomic factors influence WEEE generation as collection, and recycling practices require region-specific approaches. The availability of infrastructure, technical capacity, and resources differs across regions, affecting the feasibility of proposed solutions. By acknowledging these factors, the findings from the Nigerian context can be adapted and applied to other regions, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of WEEE management challenges and solutions globally.