Mobily signs agreement with Ericsson to recycle old electronic devices

Mobily and Ericsson have established an agreement to recycle expired and discarded electronic gadgets in environmentally friendly ways. The relationship is part of Mobily’s larger commitment to working toward the Saudi Vision 2030 sustainability goals in order to protect the environment for future generations.

Commenting on the agreement, Alaa Malki, Chief Technology Officer at Mobily, said: “Mobily decided to cooperate with Ericsson’s Product Take-Back Program due to the importance of preserving the environment and the convenience and ease it provides for customers in terms of disposal procedures for their electronic devices. The program also has a proven track record of success in safe disposal of electronic waste and reducing the environmental impact of expired electrical equipment.”

Eng. Malki continued: “this agreement will contribute to educating the public and concerned parties about the importance of safe and correct disposal of electronic waste. Mobily believes in the necessity of playing a leading role in environmental protection to reduce the impact of technology on the world around us. From this standpoint, we are committed to continuing the work of developing initiatives that enhance the company’s sustainability and contribute to community service.”

Mobily was represented by Eng. Alaa Malki, Chief Technology Officer, at GITEX 2021, while Ericsson was represented by Ekow Nelson, Vice President of Ericsson Middle East and Africa. According to the agreement, Mobily will join the Ericsson Product Take-Back Program to improve customer convenience and recycle discarded electronic items for safe and responsible disposal.

“Waste from electrical and electronic equipment (e-waste) is one of the fastest-growing environmental hazards in the world,” Ekow Nelson, Vice President of Ericsson Middle East and Africa.

He continued: “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. The program would enable Mobily to recycle large quantities of obsolete technological equipment responsibly thereby reducing the environmental impact in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia whilst complementing Mobily’s efforts in becoming a socially responsible telecom operator.”  

The Ericsson Product Take-Back Program is in charge of the disposal and recycling of end-of-life electrical equipment. This is accomplished by collecting, decommissioning, transporting, and recycling obsolete technology hardware in accordance with the highest international industry standards.

Ericsson’s extended producer responsibility initiative, which aims for environmentally friendly recycling through product recovery and safe disposal services, is part of the programme. This is also consistent with Saudi Arabia’s 2030 vision and commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, under which the country aims to address a variety of sustainable development concerns, including climate change.

According to Ericsson’s Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility Report (2020), electrical equipment waste is one of the world’s fastest-growing waste sources. Mobily hopes to place the environment at the forefront of its business operations and increase awareness about the best practises by collaborating with Ericsson.