MTN and Ericsson conclude Benin e-waste collection drive

KAMPALA (Scrap Monster): MTN and Ericsson have concluded their e-waste collection and awareness drive in the West African Republic of Benin. According to rough estimates more than 20 tons of e-waste was collected during the campaign. In addition, the campaign was successful in creating awareness about the potential harmful environmental effects of unsafe disposal of discarded electronic and ele3ctrical equipment.

Announcing the closure of the campaign, the companies announced that the 20 foot container located at Stade de l’Amitié of Kouhounou has now been shut down. As proposed, the collected electronic waste will be transferred to Ericsson approved recycling partner in Durban, South Africa towards safe disposal.

The collection period, initially fixed as one month, was later extended to enable more individuals and organizations participate in the collection drive. The other supporters of the campaign included Canal plus, Diamond Bank, UNICEF, PNUD, SGS, SCB and Top Ingetract.

The success of the pilot project underlines the immense scope of more such collection events in the region. The discussions held during the campaign will have far-reaching impacts. The companies assured that they will do the needful to ensure that the awareness generated through the campaign are nurtured to even higher levels. The companies are said to be in discussions with government and other stakeholders on the possibility of more comprehensive and sustainable management of e-waste in Benin.

According to reports, the firms are looking forward to extend the project to other African countries as well.