PLDT Inc. and its wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) ramped up their sustainability initiatives nationwide by teaming up with the SM Group through the SM Electronic Waste Collection Program.
Under the partnership, PLDT and Smart will deploy e-waste collection drop boxes in 85 SM malls nationwide to encourage Filipinos to recycle their e-waste and contribute to the fight against climate change.
“Recognizing the importance of sustainability and responsible consumption, our brands, PLDT Home and Smart, have been actively promoting e-waste collection and recycling as part of their sales, marketing, retail operations, and customer engagement activities,” said Melissa Vergel de Dios, chief sustainability officer at PLDT and Smart.
“We are thus grateful to have found a like-minded partner in SM, as this joint initiative significantly expands our reach and makes e-waste collection and circularity solutions even more accessible and convenient to our customers and the general public,” said de Dios.
Under the partnership, the public can dispose of e-waste in designated e-waste drop boxes located in SM Cyberzone and in strategic areas of all existing and upcoming SM Malls across the country.
Made from used beverage cartons and recycled materials, the e-waste drop boxes will accept old and broken mobile phones, laptops, tablets, routers, chargers, cords, among others.
Collected e-waste will then be turned over to an accredited e-waste treatment, storage and disposal facility for proper handling.
“This partnership with PLDT and Smart adds to our growing list of initiatives that promote a circular economy. This also adds meaning to the experience of our customers in our malls, enabling them to become part of building more sustainable communities, as well as in achieving the country’s targets in the UN Sustainable Development Goals,” said Joaquin San Agustin, senior vice president and head of marketing at SM Supermalls.