UAE telecom operator du has partnered with HP Middle East to launch a campaign to help reduce technology waste in the emirate by recycling toner cartridges used in printers and photocopy machines.

The “HP Planet Partners Program” provides a free, easy, state-of-the-art return and recycling service for original HP printer toner cartridges.

Under the program, which has been integrated into every du office, the recycled plastic from collected cartridges will be used to produce new original HP cartridges as well as other products.

Hala Badri, executive vice president - Brand and Communications, du, said: 'Even as we grow as a company, we need to be sensitive to ensure the reduction in our ecological footprint.'

'What makes the initiative with HP special is that it will play a major role in reducing technology waste in the UAE and we believe this campaign will raise awareness about the environmentally sensitive issues and become an example for others to follow.'

According to him, du will involve its employees to be part of this initiative.

'We are happy to have du on board in our most important environmental initiative aimed at saving the planet from technology waste,' said Amin Mortazavi, general manager for HP Middle East Imaging and Printing Group.

'HP was the first computer manufacturer to operate its own recycling centre in 1997, and it is estimated that 300,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions were avoided through HP’s recycling activities in 2008 alone,' he revelaed.

To date, HP has recycled over 2 billion pounds of electronic products and supplies' Mortazavi added.-TradeArabia News Service