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Ericsson & MTN Benin Partner In e-Waste Disposal Partnership

Ericsson & MTN Benin Partner In e-Waste Disposal Partnership

From IT News Africa

Ericsson and MTN Benin have partnered under their Ecology Management Program, to launch the first electrical and electronic equipment waste (e-waste) collection and awareness drive in Benin.

According to both Ericsson and MTN, the campaign is geared towards creating awareness and minimising the potential environmental impact associated with the disposal of decommissioned electrical and electronic equipment in the country.

E-waste, not recycled properly, is an under acknowledged environmental hazard around the world. Africa, particularly West Africa, is one of the more highly affected continents because large quantities of end of life materials from around the world end up at dumps in this region. This project provides a sound platform for raising awareness and discussing these issues.

Malik Melamu, MTN Benin CEO stated that: “Research shows that the world’s e-waste level reached 48.9 million tons during 2012 and is expected to increase 33% by 2017. With our company’s commitment to being socially responsible, this challenge has caught our attention. We are leveraging on Ericsson’s wealth of experience in electronic waste management to not only evacuate the waste but also educate the general public and all key stakeholders about the importance of the proper disposal of the growing electronic waste in the country and the world.”

A collection depot with a 20-foot container has been opened at Stade de l’Amitié de Kouhounou, Cotonou, Benin. It will be operational for one month with the invitation to the general public to seize the opportunity to properly dispose of all forms of electronic waste. Leading the way, MTN will dispose of all electronic waste including old equipment purchased from Ericsson. At the close of the campaign, collected e-waste will be transported to an Ericsson-approved recycling partner in Durban, South Africa.

 

Read more at IT News Africa