While holding on to old belongings for their sentimental value is a typical Filipino habit, most people do so because they don’t know how to dispose of these materials, particularly old and obsolete gadgets.
To encourage their customers to finally let go and at the same time properly and safely dispose of their electronic waste (e-waste), the country’s leading integrated telco network PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) have set up e-waste collection bins in select stores across the country.
“We are opening our store doors and using our sales platforms to promote responsible consumption and encourage customers to recycle their old electronics through us. Now more than ever, we know that our customers value sustainability and want to embody this for future generations. This initiative aims to address these and make their visits to our stores even more meaningful and worthwhile," said John Y. Palanca, SVP and Head of Sales and Development at PLDT and Smart.
Customers can drop off their old telephones, routers, mobile phones, tablets, laptops, chargers, cords, batteries, power banks, USBs, among others at the following PLDT and Smart stores:
- 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
“We recognize the importance of raising awareness about circularity and responsible consumption among our stakeholders, by making it part of our daily store operations. Though this initiative, we hope to educate and inspire our customers to responsibly dispose of their old gadgets for proper handling and recycling, and join us in our drive to help protect the environment by promoting circular economy in the country,” said Melissa V. Vergel de Dios, Chief Sustainability Officer at PLDT and Smart.
Recently, PLDT and Smart store frontliners also underwent training with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources on proper e-waste management. The telcos also launched a partnership with SM Cyberzone and SM Cares to roll out e-waste collection bins in strategic areas in malls nationwide to ramp up this campaign.
Launched in 2022, the ‘Be Kind. Recycle.’ initiative aligns with the PLDT group’s support to promoting a circular economy and underscores its commitment to help the country contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG), particularly on SDG No. 12 Responsible Consumption and Production and SDG No. 17 Partnerships for the Goals.
