Disposing Your Old Gadgets? Here’s Where to Ask Help to Manage Your E-Waste at Home

Did you know that the 2020 Olympic medals are made from old and broken electronics? Yes, Japan used e-waste to create the medals as well as to support the country’s upcycling efforts.

Electronic waste, or e-waste, comprises discarded electronic devices, from cellphones, computers, televisions and speakers to calculators, printers, radios, and kitchen appliances, among many others.

While you likely do not change electronics as often as Apple’s yearly release of new products, you probably have an old phone, charger, earphones, camera, or laptop lying around at home that you have yet to dispose of.

If you think disposing electronics is as simple as chucking them in the bin with the rest of your trash, however, think again.

According to the United Nations, the growing weight of e-waste has become a global challenge. About 50 million tonnes of e-waste is thrown out every year, which pose serious risks to the environment and humans for its components’ hazardous content. Unlike plastic or paper, you can’t simply dump your tech junks into your trash bins. E-waste management requires critical disposal to avoid toxic and hazardous chemicals leaking from them that could affect the wildlife in the long run.

In the Philippines, around 3.9 kilograms of e-waste was produced per person in 2019 alone, according to the Global Environment Report via the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

As of January 2020, the total of registered (treatment, storage, and disposal) facilities in the Philippines are 135, of which 24 are located in Metro Manila.

For responsible disposal of your e-waste, turn to these local initiatives!

E-Waste Management Philippines

The E-Waste Management (EWM) Philippines shows their love for the country through picking up household e-waste and disposing them properly. They teach families to avoid throwing Li-on batteries in the trash as these could possibly contaminate the water supply, affecting the next generations to come.

As an expert electronics recycler, EWM also collects dead laptops, CPUs, cellphones (w/battery), UPS power supplies, and power banks or emergency light batteries. They can also help you to sell your items if it’s still slightly functioning.

They provide e-waste management to more than 10,000 customers nationwide including businesses, government, medical, and educational organizations.

As of this writing, they have suspended their operations (except for large hauls in big companies and government) due to the ongoing pandemic and will likely resume activities in 2022.

Website

Location: Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Envirocycle Philippines Inc.

Looking for an electronic waste recovery specialist? Envirocycle Philippines is a one-stop facility that recycles materials made from non-ferrous metals, industrial sacks, plastic containers, PET bottles, and more.

The organization complies with government legislation in terms of vendor/supplier audits, operational permits, and environmentally sustainable work practices. They are a DENR-certified TSD facility that follows safe and reliable de-manufacturing when handling e-waste management and other related services.

As part of their corporate social responsibility, Envirocycle is committed to the reduction and prevention of waste pollution, contamination, and consumption of natural resources. Using appropriate methods and up-to-date technology, they continue to promote “gradual zero disposal to landfill.”

Some of their community partners are DENR, PEZA, Environmental Practitioners Association, and City Environment, and Natural Resources Office of Calamba, among others.

Website

Location: Silangan Industrial Park Canlubang, Calamba, Laguna, Philippines

The E-Waste Project (TEP) by the University of the Philippines

The E-Waste Project is an initiative by the University of the Philippines to raise awareness and educate Filipinos about proper electronic waste management. The project not just holds symposia, but also annual collection drives for people to donate their electronics for proper disposal and/or recycling.

Some of their e-waste disposal-related activities are digital art contests, raffles, TEP Talks, and a lot more.

At present, the E-Waste Project has suspended its face-to-face collection drives for the year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but we advise you to follow their page for the latest updates and details. Alternatively, the E-Waste Project has provided a list of e-waste disposal facilities you can check out instead.

Project 1 Phone (E-Waste Zero Program by Globe)

In 2019, Globe Telecom led a mobile recycling program that aims to recycle e-waste and educate people about the hazard it poses against human health and the environment.

They are focused on collecting mobile phones and portable devices like tablets. The units and accessories will be collected by the TES-AMM Philippines for proper recycling and recovery, ensuring that no gadgets will be sold or disassembled. Regardless of the brand, you can donate as many gadgets as you want.

Take note that door-to-door hauling within NCR and Luzon may take a while due to COVID-19 quarantine restrictions. At present, there are 100 e-waste zero bin locations across the country where you can drop off your defective electronic devices. Click here.

Electronic Waste Collection Program by SM Supermalls

SM Supermalls, through the SM Cares Program on Environment, has joined the e-waste management and awareness global campaign by launching its Electronic Waste Collection Program just this 2021.

To encourage individuals to drop off their old electronics for proper disposal, SM has put up e-waste collection booths in its malls nationwide. The program accepts old or broken cellphones, chargers, batteries, printer ink cartridges, earphones, calculators, computer wires, and more. Customers and individuals may bring their e-waste to these participating SM malls during mall hours.

Website

Another tip: Buy secondhand

The reduce, reuse, and recycle principle also applies to electronics! Buying used gets a bad rap, but if you’re thinking of purchasing a new electronic device or accessory, consider going the secondhand route instead to reduce waste and save money.

Remember to do your research and be cognizant of the device you wish to purchase. If possible, check out authorized resellers in your area for refurbished electronics. Test-run the device, check its specifications, and ask as many questions as you can.

Lastly, reduce your consumption. This takes a lot of discipline, but practicing mindfulness goes a long way to avoid committing senseless and impulsive consumerist choices. If you’re salivating over Apple’s new colorful iMac designs or the upcoming iPhone 13 this September, reevaluate your feelings and ask yourself if it’s necessary. Chances are, it isn’t.