Assessment of the awareness of E-Waste Policies and Regulations in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Electronic waste (e-waste) has become one of the fastest-growing environmental challenges due to rapid technological advancement, increased use of electrical and electronic equipment, and shorter product life cycles. Despite Nigeria's regulatory frameworks, including the National Environmental (Electrical/Electronic Sector) Regulations, 2022, public awareness and compliance remain limited. This study assessed the awareness of e-waste policies and regulations among residents of Ebonyi State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and data were collected through structured questionnaires and key informant interviews. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. The findings revealed that 60.96% of respondents were unaware of government policies on proper e-waste disposal, while only 14.38% were aware. Awareness of government enforcement mechanisms was also low. Major challenges identified included inadequate public awareness, limited recycling infrastructure, weak regulatory enforcement, and poor implementation of existing policies. The study concluded that low public awareness significantly undermines effective e-waste management in Ebonyi State. It recommends intensified environmental education, stronger enforcement of regulations, improved recycling infrastructure, and enhanced stakeholder collaboration to promote sustainable e-waste management and environmental protection.