Chilean operator Entel is partnering with Ericsson on the Swedish vendor’s global Ecology Management Product Take-Back program.
The initiative is aimed at minimising the potential environmental impact associated with the disposal of decommissioned electrical equipment (e-waste). The program is part of Ericsson's sustainability and corporate responsibility efforts geared toward ensuring accountability for the environmental impacts of all products and services during their lifecycles. It ensures that end-of-life material is treated in an environmentally responsible manner by globally accredited e-waste recycling partners.
Ericsson provides e-waste services as part of the company's Extended Producer Responsibility. The vendor offers the program to all customers globally, not only in Europe where it is required by law. This guarantees that e-waste does not end up in trade-restricted areas, landfill or in places where unethical business practices are taking place.
Antonio Büchi, CEO, Entel Chile, said: "Entel's commitment to the environment is one of the cornerstones of our business. Currently in Chile, we are undergoing a major change in the treatment of waste generated by businesses. The new Extended Producer Responsibility law, or EPR, poses a major challenge for all companies, especially larger ones.”
Nicolas Brancoli, Vice President, Ericsson Latin America, says: "Ericsson's e-waste recovery agreement with Entel marks extends the scope of this initiative in Latin America. It also helps create market awareness about e-waste and gives us the assurance that material nearing the end of its useful life is treated in an environmentally responsible manner."
Pablo Badenier, Minister of the Environment, Government of Chile, says: "This e-waste recycling program is an example of what the Extended Producer Responsibility law seeks to accomplish. Electronic devices and associated products generate a large volume of waste products upon expiration, due to the quick advancement of technology. The smart decision is thus to recycle and give them a new life where they are used as new raw material. This is sustainable development and what we want to see as a government."
