Samsung initiates recycling program to safeguard UAE’s environment; Aluminium lists among others in maximum recovery

The South Korean born global electronics giant, Samsung electronics’ Gulf arm launched a new initiative to promote sustainability and providing customers with an opportunity to safeguard the environment.

Samsung in collaboration with the world's largest electronics recycler in Dubai, Enviroserve, is now collecting mobile phones from any brand across the UAE and assuming responsibility for the recycling process as part of the “Samsung Recycling Program.”

However, the participation remains quite simple, mobile and tab owners are required to remove data from their devices, visit a designated Samsung Recycling Program service location, and fill up a recycling form.

Following the understanding of the statement by the device owner, they are then required to drop devices inside the collection box, while their gift voucher reward will be sent to them via mail. In total, there are 12 authorized service centres across the UAE, with six in Dubai, three in Abu Dhabi, two in Sharjah, and one in Ras Al Khaimah. At the drop locations, device owners can carry out the above process, before Enviroserve handles the recycling and provides a registered green certificate for the recycled device.

The program involves an eco-friendly way of recycling mobile phones and tablets and reusing the materials, rather than placing devices in landfill sites with hazardous materials.  The initiative also positions with the objectives of the World Environment Day, which serves as a celebration for encouraging awareness and action for protecting the environment on 5th June and customers that participate will be provided with a gift voucher of up to AED 500 redeemable on the Samsung e-store.

Kiran Tewari, Head of Customer Service, Samsung Gulf Electronics, said: “Now more than ever, it is essential for companies from all verticals to do their part in promoting actions geared towards sustainability. For Samsung, supporting environmental protection is among our topmost priorities, and we are proud to be working with Enviroserve to ensure that no phones with hazardous materials are placed in landfill sites. By once again acting as a force for good, we hope to inspire others to launch similar initiatives that protect communities and society from hazardous materials.”

The versatility of aluminium makes it the most widely used metal in mobile phones. Another benefit of using metal was that since it is a good conductor of heat it dissipates heat faster than its plastic counterpart in the case of overheating. Metal is also very malleable so manufacturers can be more adventurous with phones with metal designs.

Lyes Yahiaoui, CEO, Enviroserve, added: “With a record number of electronic devices reaching their end-of-life each year, it is inspiring to see Samsung taking a leadership role in the Middle East to meet the challenge. Devices collected through Samsung’s program will be processed at Enviroserve’s state-of-the-art electronic waste processing plant, right here in Dubai Industrial City. Our granulation process ensures maximum recovery of re-usable materials such as aluminium, copper, iron, plastic, and even precious metals, including gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. We encourage everybody to visit a Samsung store and place their handheld devices in the recycling bins."