The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) continues to ramp-up efforts for the safe and responsible disposal of electronic waste and to raise awareness on its health and environmental impacts. The DENR-EMB has partnered with public interest and advocacy network EcoWaste Coalition for an e-waste exchange initiative geared towards consumers.
The “Together WEEE Can!” initiative calls on consumers to trade-in their e-waste for a concert ticket featuring some of the country’s leading performers like including Kean Cipriano, Chrstn, 7th, Shortone and Kenaniah. The concert will be held on November 5 at the Marikina Sports Center.
The concert is set to bring together environmentally-conscious individuals, young activists, community leaders, and organizations for a collective celebration of eco-friendly practices. Aside from live music from artists, there will be interactive workshops, and eco-friendly exhibits, aiming to educate and inspire attendees to incorporate responsible e-waste disposal into their daily lives.
“This campaign aims to tackle the detrimental effects of e-waste; enhance awareness regarding responsible e-waste management; and encourage individuals, businesses, and governments to take proactive measures in reducing e-waste and ensuring its proper disposal,” said EMB Director and DENR Assistant Secretary Gilbert Gonzales.
E-waste, also referred to as waste electrical and electronic equipment or WEEE, comprises discarded electronic products such as appliances, tools, toys, and telecommunication devices such as laptops, broken mobile devices, old batteries, desktop computers, and retired home appliances. Small items like a mobile phone is equivalent to one concert ticket, medium-sized item like toasters, small TVs, and microwaves equates to two tickets, and large items such as refrigerators and washing machines are worth three tickets.
To qualify for the tickets, the e-waste traded in must be a whole item and not spare or loose parts.
The public can bring their e-waste from October 23 to November 5 at designated drop-off points, including SM Malls, DMCI, PLDT/SMART offices or stores, Globe offices or stores, Ayala Malls, Ateneo, UP Circuit, the Department of Trade and Industry office, DENR Central Office, DENR-National Capital Region, Bagong Silang Treatment Storage Disposal Facility (TSD), Dampalit TSD Facility, San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan, Manila City, Marikina City, and Baguio City.
The E-waste can also be brought directly to the concert venue on November 5.
A report by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) showed that the Philippines is one of the top e-waste generators in Southeast Asia, with a per capita e-waste generation of over 4kg. The volume of e-waste is increasing due to higher consumption of electrical and electronic equipment, shorter product life cycles and limited repair options.
Although e-waste constitutes only around two percent of solid waste streams, it contributes to a staggering 70% of hazardous waste in landfills worldwide with devastating consequences on the environment and public health. These items often contain dangerous substances like polybrominated diphenyl ethers, commonly used as flame retardants, posing significant environmental and health concerns and emphasizing the critical importance of proper disposal.
The DENR has set-up three materials recovery facility (MRF) dedicated to electronic waste. These are located in Caloocan, Malabon and Baguio City. ###
