Students, faculty, and school staff, you have the power to make a difference. By recycling your electronic waste (e-waste), you not only reduce environmental harm but also contribute to sustainable development and a circular economy.
If you are part of the growing community of PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications Inc.’s “Be Kind. Recycle.” Program, you can do this by dropping off your old mobile phones, laptops, chargers, batteries, and more at designated bins in your schools.
To date, e-waste collections have been activated in the University of the Philippines-Los Baños, Systems Plus College Foundation in Pampanga, University of Rizal System in Morong and Tanay, Arellano University’s seven campuses (Main, Jose Abad, Mabini, Plaridel, Pasig, Elisa Esguerra, and Jose Rizal), and Pasig Catholic College.
More are set to be deployed in 11 campuses of the National University across Central and South Luzon, Metro Manila, and Bacolod, plus the Department of Science and Technology in Region IV-A (Calabarzon) among other sites in the remainder of 2024 until next year.
E-waste, which includes discarded gadgets, batteries, and devices, is the fastest-growing waste stream globally. Sadly, only 20 percent of this waste is properly recycled, according to the United Nations Environment Programme.
“We believe in the ability of our Filipino youth to effect positive change in their communities, and we share in their passion to protect the planet for the future generations,” said Jacqueline N. Bocalan, VP and Head of Channel Management at Smart.
Under the “Be Kind. Recycle.” Program, schools and universities across the Philippines are joining forces to provide students with a convenient way to responsibly dispose of their e-waste. The goal is to raise awareness and promote action—encouraging everyone to participate in reducing waste and conserving valuable resources.
But it doesn’t stop there. The general public is also encouraged to bring their e-waste to designated PLDT and Smart stores or drop-off points in SM Malls across the country.
All collected e-waste are taken to accredited facilities where valuable components are recycled, and hazardous materials are safely disposed of, helping to produce new electronics while minimizing environmental impact.
By recycling your e-waste, you not only support the circular economy but also help the Philippines meet its commitments to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. This initiative aligns with global goals for responsible consumption and production, and you—our future leaders—are at the heart of this movement.
“We believe that the circular economy will contribute not only toward addressing the ongoing triple planetary crisis on climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss, but will also unlock opportunities for innovation, economic growth, and value creation across sectors,” said PLDT and Smart First Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer Melissa Vergel de Dios.
“In particular, we would like to work closely with the youth and academe as they can be our force multipliers in creating awareness and mobilizing for action to help preserve the planet for them and for future generations,” she added.
Together, we can reduce pollution, protect biodiversity, and innovate for a greener future. Let’s take action now to preserve the planet for ourselves and future generations.
