By Faridat Salifu
In a commendable display of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), South African telecommunications giant MTN and Swedish technology solutions provider Ericsson have united their efforts to make a positive impact on the environment and society.
They recently announced the successful collection and recycling of a substantial 123 tonnes of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) over the past two years in Benin.
This collaborative initiative has significantly contributed to environmental preservation, resource conservation, the promotion of a circular economy, and corporate social responsibility like:
Environmental Preservation: By ensuring the collection and proper recycling of 123 tonnes of e-waste over two years, the program has effectively prevented these electronic devices from ending up in landfills or being disposed of improperly. E-waste often contains hazardous materials like lead and toxic chemicals, which, if not managed responsibly, can leach into the environment, posing threats to soil, water, and air quality. Through proper recycling, this initiative has reduced these environmental hazards, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment.
Resource Conservation: The recycling of electronic devices has facilitated the recovery of valuable materials, including metals and plastics. These reclaimed materials can be effectively reused in the manufacturing of new electronic products, thereby reducing the need for virgin resources. This sustainable practice conserves natural resources, diminishes energy consumption, and lessens the environmental footprint associated with resource extraction and production.
Circular Economy Promotion: This initiative champions the concept of a circular economy, where products and materials are thoughtfully reused, refurbished, or recycled rather than discarded as waste. Embracing a circular economy not only curtails waste generation but also encourages sustainable consumption and production practices.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): MTN and Ericsson’s active participation in this program underscores their commitment to CSR. Their dedication to environmental sustainability and community well-being extends beyond profit-making, enhancing their reputation, fostering stronger stakeholder relationships, and attracting socially conscious customers.
Awareness and Education: Initiatives like these play a vital role in raising awareness among the public about the critical importance of responsible e-waste management. Such educational efforts empower individuals to make informed choices, inspiring them to recycle their old electronic devices correctly.
Job Creation: E-waste recycling programs have the potential to generate employment opportunities in waste collection, recycling facilities, and related industries. This not only contributes to local economic development but also enhances social well-being.
Regulatory Compliance: As many countries are implementing stricter regulations concerning e-waste management, this program places MTN and Ericsson in a favorable position of regulatory compliance, mitigating potential fines or legal complications.
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This laudable initiative spanned several towns in Benin, including Cotonou and the capital, Porto-Novo.
Notably, according to the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), 34% of Beninese individuals now enjoy daily internet access, underscoring the relevance of this environmental effort.
The program was executed under the aegis of Ericsson’s Product Take-Back Programme, in collaboration with the subsidiary of South African mobile phone operator MTN.
Uche Ofodile, the leader of MTN Benin, emphasized that this operation aligns perfectly with their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments, aimed at advancing climate action and environmental preservation in Africa.
Experts from Ericsson, headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, elucidated the dual objectives of the process. First and foremost, it ensures that decommissioned network equipment undergoes proper recycling through authorized recyclers.
Subsequently, it facilitates the acquisition of destruction certificates for MTN Benin, providing absolute assurance regarding the safe disposal of equipment. This marks a significant stride toward fostering a circular economy in this West African nation.
However, a sobering report by the United Nations (UN) paints a disconcerting picture of electronic waste in Benin.
It foresees an alarming trajectory, with the volume of electronic waste in the country projected to soar to a staggering 74 million tonnes by 2030, a substantial increase from the 2.9 million tonnes generated by the continent in 2019.
In light of these concerning statistics, compounded by the surge in appliance sales, other nations, such as Rwanda, are prioritizing awareness campaigns among users.
In 2022, Rwanda, in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), initiated a campaign to enlighten Kigali’s residents about the potential hazards associated with smartphones.
These devices often contain dangerous substances like lead, which can have detrimental effects on the human immune system and can lead to environmental pollution of soil and groundwater.
