Central Environmental Authority And Dialog Telekom In Joint Venture For M-Waste Management

The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) together with Dialog Telekom PLC launched a joint venture to manage mobile waste (M-Waste). A Memorandum of Understanding was signed today between the two organisations for a period of one year as an initial step. Dialog and the CEA will implement an island wide programme for the environment-friendly management of used mobile phones and accessories.

Dialog first launched its M-Waste initiative in 2007. In implementing this mobile waste management project last year, Dialog has proven its ability to manage mobile waste through well-established collection systems, transportation, storage and exporting mechanisms which are in line with the regulatory requirements as well as international obligations on management of electronic-waste. The CEA together with Dialog hopes to strengthen the management of M-Waste and increase public awareness on its management.

“The M-Waste programme initiated by Dialog Telekom, Sri Lanka’s largest telecommunications service provider, is one of the best examples of how corporates can contribute towards preserving our environment through responsible business practices. Proper management of electronic-waste plays an integral part in reducing the damage to the environment and we are extremely pleased to partner with Dialog Telekom in executing this environment friendly waste management plan, which would minimise hazardous M-Waste material reaching landfill sites,” said Hon. Minister of Environment, Patali Champika Ranawaka. “The m-waste management programme is the first of many such projects that would be implemented island wide, utilising the funds collected under the Environment Conservation Levy,” the Minister added.

Through this agreement the organisations would expand the existing waste collection network of Dialog and identify suitable locations to install waste collection centres, plus, improve collection mechanisms. A joint initiative has been made to conduct awareness programmes amongst school children, as well as public and private institutions involved in the mobile phone sales and repairs.

“The M-Waste management programme is in line with our company’s commitment to, and focus on, sustainable development” said Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Group Chief Executive of Dialog Telekom. “The mobile industry has delivered quantum dividends to our country in terms of economic and social development. Environmental protection – the third tenet of sustainable development alongside economic and social development is given equal emphasis in the context of our development programmes. Dialog has made significant investments in Mobile Waste management since the inception of the initiative in 2007. We look forward to working closely with the CEA and other government and non-government agencies in implementing the M-Waste initiative on a nationwide scale”

Electrical and Electronic waste (e-waste) was recognised by the Basel Convention as a hazardous waste and a priority issue requiring urgent attention. Wth high demand for electronic items in the country, the generation of e and m-waste has notably increased over the last few years. As in the case of all electronic equipment, mobile phones contain a range of substances that are harmful if the devices are not disposed of properly. Heavy metals such as mercury, lead and cadmium are present in mobile phones, which could cause harm to the environment. In order to ensure the sustainable environmental conservation in the country, the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources has imposed an Environment Conservation Levy on the value of the services supplied by cellular phone operators based on the ‘Polluter Pays Principle’. It is expected to disburse these funds for proper M-Waste management practices in the country.