Maxis invites members of the public to be part of its electronic waste, or e-waste, recycling campaign to curb irresponsible disposal at landfills.
E-waste comprises defective or unwanted technology that contains toxic components that can impact the environment or pose health risks.
In collaboration with E-waste Recycling Through Heroes (ERTH), a social enterprise e-waste collection centre authorised by the Department of Environment, the campaign promotes and encourages e-waste recycling by providing consumers in the Klang Valley, Johor Bahru, and Penang with an easy and convenient collection service from their preferred premises.
As part of this campaign, consumers need only request for e-waste collection on the Maxis website, list down their items to be recycled, and prepare those items for collection at the stipulated date and time. Residents associations and building management can also collaborate with ERTH to organise e-waste collection drives in their neighbourhoods or commercial areas.
Since launching the campaign on 14 October in conjunction with International E-Waste Day, Maxis and ERTH have collected more than 2,000 items and prevented over 5 tonnes of e-waste from collecting at landfills. This impactful partnership has also garnered international recognition, winning the Excellence in Sustainability Video Award at the GSMA M360 Asia-Pacific in recent months.
Patrick Er, Chief Sales and Services Officer of Maxis said he was heartened to see the public’s reception of the recycling-made-easy campaign that was built upon the success of Maxis’ internal campaign this year.
“We are starting small but are seeing encouraging momentum. In the long run, we hope to expand this service to other states to create greater awareness of e-waste recycling and recruit more people to join our cause,” he said.
ERTH founder Mohamed Tarek El-Fatatry said, “Although e-waste represents just a small percentage of household waste, it accounts for 70% of toxic heavy metal pollution in the environment and produces health hazards much like the effects of plastics. By piloting this project with Maxis, we hope to inspire more people around Malaysia to practice e-waste recycling and make positive changes for the environment.”
Consumers who participate in this programme can enjoy free e-waste collection for a minimum of three used electronic or electric devices. For more information on the e-waste recycling campaign visit www.maxis.com.my/ewaste/
