UAE telecom operator Etisalat has signed an agreement with specialist e-waste company Enviroserve, to roll out new initiatives that will empower customers to safely dispose of old mobile phones and other electronic items across its 18 markets.

The move come as part of Etisalat's commitment to protect the natural environment of Africa, Asia and the Middle East from the harm caused by electronic waste.

This will help prevent toxic materials from polluting water supplies and landfills, and protect the inheritance of billions of people in the region.

Etisalat’s Group COO Ahmad Abdulkarim Julfar and the CEO of Enviroserve Stuart Fleming signed the agreement in the presence of Ahmed bin Ali Etisalat Group senior VP Corporate Communications and Enviroserve’s general manager Ghalleb Al Azem.

Abdulkarim Julfar said Etisalat was playing an important role in reducing the customers’ impact on the environment through many different technology innovations and initiatives.

'This agreement is an extension of our existing green vision and helps our customers actively participate in the protection of their natural environment,' he noted.

'Electronic waste is difficult to remove and dispose of safely, and through this agreement we are providing valuable knowledge and best practice to markets which need it most. We are delighted to take the lead on this key issue,' he added.

Etisalat has been working with Enviroserve on its ‘Envirofone’ campaign since 2007 in the UAE and has since collected 450 tons of electronic waste which has all been safely disposed of in specialist factories.

This programme is widely regarded as a success and has been cited in numerous environmental and CSR conferences. The ‘Envirofone’ initiative and the expertise that goes with it will now be exported to each of Etisalat’s subsidiary markets.

Fleming said the agreement created the opportunity to do a lot of good for a lot of people. 'Emerging markets generally have large populations and limited waste disposal facilities. We are delighted that Etisalat has taken the effort to champion this cause across its footprint.'

'E-waste is the largest growing waste category, increasing annually by 30 per cent. Its hazardous nature is harmful not only to environment, but our health. Any solutions should be welcomed to encourage the responsible recycling of multitude of products listed generally as electronic scrap,' he explained.-TradeArabia News Service