Under a partnership with the SEC, the telecommunications companies will install “Be Kind. Recycle.” collection bins in the commission's offices, allowing employees to dispose of used and broken electronic devices associated with telecommunications and digital services.
The initiative will also include information campaigns to raise awareness among SEC employees and stakeholders about proper e-waste disposal and recycling.
The expansion builds on PLDT and Smart's existing network of more than 200 e-waste collection points nationwide, established in cooperation with businesses, schools, local government units, cooperatives and other organizations.
Waste recovery
Since 2023, PLDT and Smart have collected and recovered 42.5 metric tons of e-waste through their recycling initiatives, avoiding an estimated 17.3 metric tons of carbon emissions.
According to the companies, the avoided emissions are equivalent to the carbon absorbed by 286 tree seedlings grown over 10 years.
Collected electronic waste from SEC offices will be transferred to authorized treatment, storage and disposal facilities working with PLDT and Smart.
The companies said these facilities will ensure proper waste handling in compliance with applicable environmental and human rights laws and regulations.
PLDT and Smart chair and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan said the partnership reflects the companies' efforts to address the environmental impact of discarded electronics.
“This partnership reflects our shared commitment towards supporting our country in managing the impacts of e-waste on our people and the environment, and in transitioning towards a circular economy,” Pangilinan said.
Sustainability reporting
The initiative forms part of the SEC Sustainability Week Program, which promotes environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices and greater transparency in corporate sustainability reporting.
The commission has been encouraging companies to adopt sustainability practices and reporting standards aligned with international frameworks.
“The SEC strongly supports initiatives that incorporate sustainability into the core of corporate practices. We encourage all market participants to do their part in driving the shift to a more sustainable future,” SEC Chair Francis Lim said.
The partnership also supports broader efforts to promote a circular economy by encouraging the recovery, recycling and responsible disposal of electronic products.
Industry responsibility
PLDT and Smart chief sustainability officer Melissa Vergel de Dios acknowledged that telecommunications services and continuous network upgrades contribute to the generation of electronic waste.
“While we do not directly manufacture devices and electronics, we acknowledge that the use of our services and the continuous advancement of our network technology contribute to the generation of e-waste. We therefore embrace our responsibility to facilitate recovery and ensure proper disposal of consumer e-waste, particularly those associated with our products and services” explained Vergel de Dios.
Beyond collection activities, Smart works with device manufacturers that incorporate recycled materials into production processes and offer trade-in and trade-up programs for customers.
PLDT and Smart said they intend to continue expanding access to formal recycling channels, particularly in communities where proper disposal facilities remain limited.
The initiatives support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly responsible consumption and production and partnerships for sustainable development. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
