BENIN – Ericsson and MTN Benin have collaborated to recycle MTN Benin’s end-of-life electronic and electrical equipment as part of the Ericsson Product Take-Back Program.
The collaboration has resulted in the collection, decommissioning, transportation, and recycling of over 123 metric tons of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) since 2021.
The collaboration is aligned with MTN’s Road to Zero pledge, which aims to reduce its carbon footprint and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change by 2040.
As a dedicated pledge holder, Ericsson works diligently to ensure that decommissioned network equipment is recycled by Ericsson-approved recyclers in South Africa. MTN Benin receives Certificates of Destruction to ensure the safe disposal of the equipment.
With the United Nations identifying WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) as one of the fastest-growing waste streams worldwide in terms of volume, the program is a crucial aspect of Ericsson’s climate action and environmental sustainability strategy. It also reflects the company’s commitment to circular economies.
By embracing circular economies, Ericsson aims to effectively manage electronic waste and extract value from decommissioned equipment while minimizing landfill and other environmental impacts.
With the increased adoption of technology, Benin has witnessed a rise in the generation of WEEE. According to The Global E-waste Monitor 2020 Report, Benin generated 9.2 kilotonnes of e-waste in 2019.
Uche Ofodile, CEO of MTN Benin, said, “At MTN, we believe in the benefits of a healthy planet and are committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2040. We acknowledge our duty to reduce the adverse effects of climate change and promote environmental sustainability.
“By collaborating with Ericsson, we can guarantee the responsible recycling of our decommissioned network equipment. This allows us to extract valuable materials and components for re-use, thereby reducing our environmental impact and supporting a circular economy.
“Through this collaboration, we are reinforcing our commitment to the Road to Zero initiative and our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals. We are excited to contribute to the advancement of sustainability throughout Africa.”
Recycling electronic waste is crucial for reducing the environmental impact of discarded electronics and promoting a circular economy.
By collecting and recycling such a significant amount of waste electrical, MTN and Ericsson are helping to prevent harmful materials from ending up in landfills and conserving valuable resources.
This initiative sets a positive example for other companies and individuals to follow in promoting responsible e-waste management.
Hossam Kandeel, Vice President and Head of Global Customer Unit MTN and Customer Unit MTN Africa at Ericsson, commented, “The Ericsson Product Take-Back program is a fundamental part of our commitment to circular economies, where waste products can be transformed into valuable resources.
“Improper disposal of electronic components can harm the environment by increasing greenhouse gas emissions and causing damage to biodiversity and human health.
“The program enables us to responsibly and sustainably recycle end-of-life electronic and electrical equipment. As we collaborate with MTN Benin, our aim is to encourage and actively support sub-Saharan Africa in achieving its climate goals.”
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