MTN, Ericsson Partner on e-Waste Disposal, Recycling in Benin

MTN Benin, has partnered with Ericsson under their Ecology Management Program, to launch the first electrical and electronic equipment waste (e-waste) collection and awareness drive in Benin.

This campaign is geared towards creating awareness and minimizing the potential environmental impact associated with the disposal of decommissioned electrical and electronic equipment in the country.

E-waste, not recycled properly, is an under acknowledged environmental hazard around the world.

Africa, particularly West Africa, is one of the more highly affected continents because large quantities of end of life materials from around the world end up at dumps in this region. This project is provides a sound platform for raising awareness and discussing these issues.

Speaking on the partnership drive, Malik Melamu, MTN Benin CEO said, “Research shows that the world’s e-waste level reached 48.9 million tons during 2012 and is expected to increase 33% by 2017. With our company’s commitment to being socially responsible, this challenge has caught our attention.

“We are leveraging on Ericsson’s wealth of experience in electronic waste management to not only evacuate the waste but also educate the general public and all key stakeholders about the importance of the proper disposal of the growing electronic waste in the country and the world.”

A collection depot with a 20-foot container has been opened at Stade de l’Amitié de Kouhounou, Cotonou, Benin.

It will be operational for one month with the invitation to the general public to seize the opportunity to properly dispose of all forms of electronic waste. Leading the way, MTN will dispose of all electronic waste including old equipment purchased from Ericsson.

At the close of the campaign, collected e-waste will be transported to an Ericsson-approved recycling partner in Durban, South Africa.

Fredrik Jejdling, Head of Region sub-Saharan Africa, Ericsson, said, “The Ecology Management Product Take-Back program is a part of Ericsson’s Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility effort geared towards taking accountability for environmental impacts of all products and services during their lifecycle.

“We have been partnering with our customers across the region on e-waste take back and this partnership with MTN in Benin extends the scope of this initiative to include creating awareness about e-waste and helping to ensure that end-of-life material is waste-treated in an environmentally responsible manner.”

Globally, Ericsson provides free product retrieval and safe disposal services for equipment that have reached its shelf life, as part the company’s extended producer responsibility.

Ericsson offers the program to all customers, guaranteeing that this e-waste does not end up in trade-restricted areas, landfill, or in places where unethical business practices are taking place.

MTN Benin is a Telecom Company created on 01 June 2006, following the acquisition by the South African Group M-Cell (which became later MTN International) of the mobile telephony license of Areeba (Spacetel Benin). Complying with the provisions of the cession convention, the share capital of MTN Benin is FCFA 892.000.000.

MTN International holds 75% and 25% is for the other shareholders.

To date MTN Benin has more than 3 Million revenue-generating subscribers, which represents almost 45% of the market share, and consequently, positions MTN as the leader of Telecommunications in Benin.

MTN Benin offers its customers a wide range of products and services like MTN MM, 3G internet and MTN Business for companies.

MTN Benin has the best 3G coverage in Benin and its distribution network comprises more than 2000 dealers and POS (Point of Sale) spread all over the country. To date MTN Benin employs about 500 people, and is driven by a mission-based philosophy: Offer accessible and simple communication solutions for a better life.

Ericsson is the driving force behind the Networked Society – a world leader in communications technology and services.

It long-term relationships with every major telecom operator in the world allow people, businesses and societies to fulfill their potential and create a more sustainable future.

Ericsson’s services, software and infrastructure – especially in mobility, broadband and the cloud – are enabling the telecom industry and other sectors to do better business, increase efficiency, improve the user experience and capture new opportunities.