Samsung Electronics East Africa Ltd [Samsung] has teamed up with Housewife’s Paradise, a popular home appliances store, to collect and recycle electronic waste [e-waste]. They are working together to protect the environment. Initially, they will start collecting e-waste in Nairobi and then expand their efforts to the rest of the country by the end of the year. This initiative coincides with the United Nations World Environment Day, which aims to raise awareness and encourage action for environmental preservation.
Under this program, Housewife’s Paradise will collect e-waste from customers who own Samsung products. Customers can schedule a convenient time and date for pick-up by calling the mobile number 0110730305. Housewife’s Paradise will collect the e-waste from various locations in Nairobi and deliver it to the WEEE Centre, which is Samsung’s official recycling partner in Kenya. The e-waste will be disposed of according to global standards.
As part of the World Environment Day celebrations, Samsung is urging customers to dispose of their e-waste properly through designated channels to protect the environment for future generations.
Mr. Ronald Mitei, the Head of Service Division at Samsung, expressed their commitment to responsible e-waste management and the importance of minimizing the negative impact of their products on the environment. Samsung’s e-waste program and recycling initiatives are integral to this commitment.
The Government of Kenya has passed the Sustainable Waste Management Act in 2022, which establishes legal guidelines for sustainable waste management. This legislation requires electronics manufacturers operating in Kenya to take responsibility for the pollution caused by their products throughout the entire lifecycle. The global e-waste monitor report of 2020 highlighted that approximately 53.6 million metric tonnes of e-waste were generated annually. If left unaddressed, this number could double to 120 million tonnes by 2050. Globally, only 17.4 percent of e-waste is managed appropriately. In Kenya, the annual generation of electronic waste increased from 3,000 metric tonnes in 2012 to 51,000 metric tonnes in 2021.
Samsung remains dedicated to proper e-waste disposal and emphasizes the importance of responsible disposal and recycling to protect the environment. They aim to transform e-waste from a hazardous substance into beneficial reusable materials. This collaboration reflects their shared commitment to sustainable practices, conservation, and the well-being of the planet.
E-waste is a growing problem worldwide as more devices are produced, used, and discarded. Proper disposal of e-waste is crucial because it often contains harmful materials that can damage the environment and human health if not managed correctly.
Mr. Zul Jamal, the Managing Director of Housewife’s Paradise, emphasized their responsibility as a responsible home appliance retailer to ensure proper e-waste disposal. They understand the significance of retiring old appliances in an environmentally safe manner, not just focusing on selling new ones. They strive to provide customers with accessible and responsible recycling options to encourage sustainable disposal of electronic products.
In September 2022, Samsung Electronics announced its global environmental strategy, which is a comprehensive effort to contribute to global initiatives in addressing climate change. This commitment includes applying sustainable practices throughout the entire product lifecycle, from sourcing raw materials to recycling and disposal. The plan also involves investing in new technologies to reduce emissions and power consumption in consumer products.
