3.5.4.4 Other initiatives
There are other E-waste related initiatives undertaken by various companies in the Philippines
as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility Programme. In 2007, mobile phones
manufacturers participated in a national pilot project called Cell Phone Waste Collection and
Recycling spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The pilot project
aims to initiate a take-back system for mobile phone through the partnership of mobile
phones manufactures, mobile phones operators, mobile phone service providers and
distributors and three largest mall operators in the Philippines. There are 20 collection bins
place and drop off points identified in various malls. The initiative was not a success due to
the lack of aggressive campaigns and awareness about the project. Most mobile phones
vendors interviewed during the field work are not aware of the existence of the project and/or
they are supposed to accept junk mobile phones discarded by the consumers20
.
Another take-back initiative is being undertaken by Fuji-Xerox Philippines for discarded toner,
printers and photocopying machines. Discarded electronics are collected and sent to Thailand
for processing and disposal.