Nadeem Hanif
DUBAI// Hundreds of unwanted old mobile phones and other electronic gadgets have been donated to a good cause during a month-long charity campaign.
The devices were put into special e-waste collection bins at Deira City Centre, Mirdif City Centre and Sharjah City Centre malls during October as part of the ‘Recycle Your Gadget’ initiative.
Majid Al Futtaim Properties is working with the Red Crescent on the campaign with the collected electronics being given to the charity.
“Majid Al Futtaim Properties is committed to environmental initiatives, and as part of its commitment to CSR it regularly hosts awareness campaigns and collection drives,” said Faud Mansoor Sharaf, senior director of property management for MAF Properties.
“Considering that 88 per cent of smart phone users in the UAE never recycle their phones, we are hoping to create a greater awareness of responsible disposal of electronics waste.”
Mr Sharaf cited a report from consultancy Business Monitor International, which says electronics was an important factor in the growth of the retail sector in the UAE.
“With so many shoppers purchasing new electronics, we wanted to also ensure that they also have a way to recycle old technology products safely,” he said.
“To-date, hundreds of old electronics items have already been collected for safe management and disposal.”
The Red Crescent collects the devices which are then recycled or given to those in need.
“Shoppers can drop off any old electronics device such as phones, laptops and tablets,” said Mr Sharaf.
“Each mall will have designated bins for the items to be disposed of properly.”
nhanif@thenational.ae
