KUWAIT: Wataniya Telecom subscribers can now win prizes by recycling their old mobile phones and other electronics in the correct recycle bins. A monthly raffle will be held offering prizes for all those who participated in Wataniya's E-Waste Recycling Program.

By launching a new E-Waste Recycling Program today, Wataniya Telecom has become a pioneer for protecting Kuwait's environment and the health of its community. This program is a part of Wataniya's contribution to corporate social responsibility programs and events.

Electronic waste (e-waste) is litter created by discarded electronic devices and components, such as mobiles, chargers, batteries, etc. Millions of these devices around the world are thrown away each year, creating environmental hazards. Providing a solution to this rising issue, Wataniya is encouraging their customers to recycle their unwanted mobile devices, batteries and other accessories through their E-Waste Recycling Program.

'EnviroDrop' boxes will be set up at all Wataniya stores and, eventually, at Fono and other authorized dealer outlets, fuel stations or shopping malls where customers can drop off their used phones and accessories. In return they will be given a raffle draw ticket through which they can win valuable prizes for their contribution.

Customers are required to remove their SIM cards before dropping the phones in the boxes. Also, customers do not have to worry about any personal data that may have been left on the phone because recycled phones will be completely destroyed.

With their E-Waste Recycling Program, Wataniya hopes to encourage the community to play an active role in protecting Kuwait's environment. "Caring for our planet is one of the key pillars of Wataniya's social responsibility program," said Wataniya Telecom's CEO and General Manager, Scott Gegenheimer during the press conference yesterday at the Holiday Inn Downtown Hotel. "We want people to help the environment and have some fun along the way, which is why we are giving away prizes. This will not only guarantee participation but will also make our customers feel good about their contributions.

To ensure the success of this campaign and raise awareness, Wataniya will host a drawing once every month and those who participate will be given a chance to win the latest smart phones. The E-Waste Recycling Program was introduced in partnership with Enviroserve, the only licensed electronics recycling operator in the Gulf. "It is under the full support of Wataniya Telecom that we are able to provide a solution to e-waste. To date, 300,000 mobiles and amazingly, 600 tons of e-waste has passed through Enviroserve on its way to safe recycling. All material will be shipped to and processed at a licensed e-waste facility and recycled according to Basel and United Nations directives," noted Stuart Fleming, CEO of EnviroServe.

E-waste is the largest growing waste stream globally. "It is growing at a rate three times faster than any other type of waste," Flemming continued. "The worrying thing is that it's the most dangerous form of waste within the general waste management umbrella. It contains cadmium, beryllium, mercury, lead and other health risk chemicals that are known to kill. These products, if left in a landfill, enter the water system and are consumed. One mobile can contaminate 600,000 liters of water.

Wataniya Telecom has taken the first step toward protecting our health and environment. Their campaign further demonstrates their commitment to the health and welfare of Kuwait. Wataniya Telecom continues to lead by example, serving the community with several sustainable and innovative social programs that lead our society towards a more prosperous tomorrow.

Wataniya Telecom is the second operation within the Qtel Group to embark on such an important initiative. This campaign follows a very successful campaign launched by Qtel Qatar and Enviroserve earlier this year, which collected 27 tons of e-waste in 72 days. The Qtel Group continues to make major contributions to the communities it operates in and is committed to having a positive impact on the society. - Kuwait Times