Abstract 

This study entitled “Risk analysis of e-waste handling and disposal. A case study of Musanze district schools” it was conducted to assess three research objectives such as: to find out different forms of e-waste available in Musanze District Schools, to assess the methods and all forms of e-waste handling and disposal in Musanze District Schools, and to evaluate risk associated with e-waste handling and disposal in Musanze District. To achieve these objectives, the researcher has used primary data collected from a sample of 95 staffs (30 staffs of Tertiary education institutions, 54 staff of secondary schools and 11 staff of TVET centers working in Musanze District). The researcher has adopted purposive sampling and after data collection and data processing, the researcher has used Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 for data analysis.  Study findings shows that, Musanze district schools generate different 10 forms of e-waste but not the same quantity. These forms are major appliances, small appliances, lighting devices, computers and telecommunication wastes, electric and electronic devices, toys, medical and laboratory equipment’s wastes, Musanze District schools are not well coordinated for e-waste separation, collection, and transportation to prepared landfill. Schools are treating all waste together within a non-prepared landfill, a little improvement are only in schools located in City. In other case findings shows that, poor handled e-waste causes environmental, economic and life risk. These risks are associated to soil acids and degradation, contamination of plants and human or animal livings and life risk for children or other people approaching poor handled or disposed e-waste. Findings confirmed by the Bivariate analysis results shows that e-waste handling and disposal contribute 22.2% to e-waste handling and disposal risks. Meaning that 77.8% is generated by other factors not associated or covered by this study objective. Based on the study findings, the researcher suggests several recommendations to the district officials and Musanze District schools. Thus, the researcher recommends both schools and District official to develop a mechanism for e-waste collection, transportation, and disposal with respect of the modern technology for ensuring that life, economic and environmental risks are minimized. They are recommended to use big containers for stocking e-waste. They were also recommended to ensure waste separation by types, and to work with waster collectors and recyclers in the country (Rwanda).