Globe, a leading digital solutions platform in the Philippines, announced that it will refocus its E-Waste Zero Program to mobile and broadband devices starting from September 1, 2023. This is in response to the global industry trends on electronic waste circularity, which aims to reduce the environmental impact of e-waste and extend the lifespan of electronic products.
According to Globe, the E-Waste Zero Program will concentrate on collecting and recycling items that the company distributes to the market, such as old mobile phones, tablets, wearables, broadband devices, and their peripherals. The program will also help Globe reduce its value chain emissions (GHG Scope 3), which account for most of the greenhouse gas emissions in the telecommunications sector.
“As a sustainability champion, Globe takes the lead in fostering circularity when it comes to e-waste management. By refocusing our E-Waste Zero Program, we hope to improve our direct impact to our customers and business: mobile and broadband device circularity,” said Yoly Crisanto, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer at the Globe Group.
Globe is one of the 12 leading mobile providers around the world that have signed up for the new set of pace-setting targets developed by the GSMA, the global association of mobile network operators. The targets include increasing device reuse and recycling rates, reducing device packaging waste, and promoting eco-design principles.
The benefits of extending the lifespan of mobile devices and promoting circularity are significant for the environment. According to the GSMA, refurbished phones have 87% lower climate impact than new ones, and recycling five billion mobile phones globally can recover valuable resources worth US$8 billion.
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). They segregate, treat, and store the e-waste in their facility within the country, while 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 Treatment, Storage, and Disposal (TSD) facility in Malabon, Metro Manila for the proper handling of e-waste.
The company’s contribution to e-waste recycling was recognized by the GSMA in 2020, as one of the global best practices for take-back and collection programs.
“As we shift our focus towards mobile and broadband devices, we want to assure our customers that our commitment to promoting e-waste circularity remains steadfast. We hope to inspire more of our customers to adopt responsible consumption habits in their daily lives,” added Crisanto.
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.