How to easily dispose old gadgets, batteries in the Philippines?
One way to help save the environment is by being responsible for our electronic waste.
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| File photo: E-waste collection bin inside a Robinsons mall |
How to properly handle e-scrap easily?
These days, almost everything is handy, thanks to developers coming up with battery-powered devices. Gone are the days when we have to rely on plugging into electricity to operate things.
But this also comes with a price, there will come a time when the battery deteriorates, calling for the need to replace them.
While you were able to change to a new power source, another problem arises—where to dispose of the old battery?
It may be convenient for many to just leave it somewhere and forget it. However, batteries have toxic materials that can be a threat when released into the environment.
To help people properly manage their e-waste, some companies have implemented initiatives in line with this.
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| The e-waste collection boxes |
Telco giant PLDT Inc. and its wireless unit Smart earlier partnered with the SM Group for a nationwide collection effort.
Part of the agreement is the deployment of e-waste collection boxes in 85 SM malls nationwide.
The e-waste boxes made with 8,400 pieces of used beverage cartons are located in SM Cyberzones and in strategic areas of all existing and even upcoming SM Malls in the Philippines.
Some items anyone can donate are old and broken mobile phones, laptops, tablets, routers, chargers, cords, cables, and more, among others.
PLDT and Smart have also set up collection bins in select stores across the country:
- PLDT and Smart Experience Hub Robinsons Galleria
- PLDT and Smart Experience Hub Robinsons Magnolia
- PLDT and Smart Experience Hub Robinsons Place Manila
- PLDT and Smart Experience Hub RCB Makati
- PLDT and Smart Experience Hub Festival Mall
- PLDT and Smart Experience Hub Smart Tower
- PLDT and Smart Experience Hub Vertis North
- PLDT and Smart Experience Hub Rockwell
- PLDT and Smart Experience Hub SM San Lazaro
- PLDT and Smart Experience Hub SM Baguio
- PLDT and Smart Experience Hub SM Southmall
- Smart Store SM Megamall
- Smart Store SM North EDSA
The items customers can drop off include old telephones, routers, mobile phones, tablets, laptops, chargers, cords, batteries, power banks, and USBs.
For Globe, it announced last year that it is redirecting the focus of its E-Waste Zero Program in response to global industry trends on electronic waste circularity. This shift allows the telco to concentrate on reducing its value chain emissions (GHG Scope 3) and maximize its impact on e-waste circularity, it noted.
Starting September 1, 2023, Globe’s E-Waste Zero Program will focus on items that Globe distributes to the market, including old mobile phones, tablets, wearables (e.g., smartwatch), broadband devices (e.g., routers, modems), and their peripherals (e.g., chargers, adapters).
Globe said its over 120 collection bins will still remain in their current locations, and the free door-to-door hauling service for multiple e-waste items weighing at least 10 kilograms will continue.
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