In response to world trends on recycling electronic waste, Globe Telecom Inc. will re-focus its E-Waste Zero Program starting next month, concentrating on mobile and broadband devices that it distributes in the market.
Globe will collect and recycle the following: mobile phones; tablets; wearables such as smart watches; broadband devices ranging from routers to modems; and peripherals, like chargers and adapters.
Since its launch in 2014, Globe’s E-Waste Zero Program has collected and recycled 216.7 metric tons of e-waste, ranging from broken mobile phones and computer sets to IT network equipment and home appliances.
With over 120 e-waste collection bins nationwide and more than 80 partners, the program helps with the responsible disposal and recycling of e-waste.
The collected e-waste items are processed by treatment, storage, and disposal (TSD) facilities accredited by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
The facilities segregate, treat, and store the e-waste in their facility within the country.
The remaining items are exported to their main recycling and recovery facilities for further processing and extraction of precious metals.
Globe has also partnered with schools and private companies on e-waste donations and has worked with government and non-government organizations in establishing a community-based TSD facility in Malabon, Metro Manila for the proper handling of e-waste.
Globe's shift is to concentrate on reducing its value chain emissions (GHG Scope 3) and maximize its impact on e-waste circularity.
"As a sustainability champion, we take the lead in fostering circularity when it comes to e-waste management," noted Globe Group's Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer, Yoly Crisanto.
"By refocusing our E-Waste Zero Program, we hope to improve our direct impact to our customers and business: mobile and broadband device circularity," she explained.
Globe is one of 12 leading mobile providers around the world that have signed up for the new set of targets developed by the global association of mobile network operators, GSMA.
Extending the lifespan of mobile devices and promoting circularity greatly benefit the environment.
Refurbished phones have 87 percent lower climate impact than new ones and recycling five billion mobile phones globally can recover valuable resources worth $8 billion, according to the GSMA.
The organization recognized the Globe Group’s contribution to e-waste recycling as one of the world's best practices for take-back and collection programs.
“As we shift our focus towards mobile and broadband devices, we assure our customers that our commitment to promoting e-waste circularity remains steadfast," Crisanto pledged.
"We hope to inspire more of our customers to adopt responsible consumption habits in their daily lives,” she added .
While Globe will redirect the E-Waste Zero program, 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.