Mobily has signed an agreement with Ericsson to recycle expired and discarded electronic devices in ways that contribute to preserving the environment, according to a statement from the phonemaker.
The partnership is said to be part of Mobily’s wider pledge to act towards achieving the Saudi Vision 2030 sustainability goals.
Mobily is now expected to join the Ericsson Product Take-Back Program in accordance with the agreement to recycle discarded electronic devices for safe and responsible disposal.
The program is responsible for the disposal and recycling of electrical equipment at the end-of-life stage.
This is reportedly done based on international industry standards through the collection, decommissioning, transportation, and environmentally sound recycling of obsolete technology hardware.
The program is part of Ericsson’s extended producer responsibility which is said to aim for environment-friendly recycling through product retrieval and safe disposal services.
Mobily Chief Technology Officer Alaa Malki signed the agreement with Ericsson Middle East and Africa Vice-President Ekow Nelson during GITEX 2021.
Malki was quoted as saying about the deal: “This agreement will contribute to educating the public and concerned parties about the importance of safe and correct disposal of electronic waste.”
The aforementioned statement quoted Nelson as saying: “Waste from electrical and electronic equipment (e-waste) is one of the fastest growing environmental hazards in the world.”
He added: “The telecom industry has a huge role to play in reducing e-waste, and this is a reason why Mobily and Ericsson have partnered in the Product Take-Back Program.”
Nelson explained: “The program would enable Mobily to recycle large quantities of obsolete technological equipment responsibly thereby reducing the environmental impact in Saudi Arabia whilst complementing Mobily’s efforts in becoming a socially responsible telecom operator.”