E-Waste Management Practices and Institutional E-Waste Management Performance in Rwanda: A Case Study of Secondary Schools in Nyarugenge District

This study investigated the relationship between e-waste management practices and institutional performance in secondary schools in Nyarugenge District. It had three main objectives: to examine existing e-waste management practices, assess institutional performance, and analyse the relationship between the two. A quantitative approach was used with descriptive and correlational designs. Data were collected from 90 respondents (head teachers, ICT teachers, and ICT technicians) using structured questionnaires. Analysis involved descriptive statistics and inferential tests (Pearson correlation and multiple regression). Findings show that both e-waste management practices and institutional performance were at a moderate level (overall mean = 3.92). Storage and handling practices were the strongest area, while policy and compliance were the weakest. Similarly, performance was strongest in equipment lifespan management and circular economy practices, but weaker in environmentally sound disposal. Inferential results revealed a positive and significant relationship between e-waste management practices and institutional performance (r = 0.58–0.67, p < 0.05). The practices explained 52% of performance variation (R² = 0.52), with disposal methods and storage/handling being the most influential factors. The study concludes that improving e-waste management practices enhances institutional performance and recommends strengthening policies, monitoring systems, and proper disposal mechanisms in schools.