HNB launches e-waste collection campaign

In keeping with the efforts to ensure a green environment in the country, the Hatton National Bank (HNB) will launch an e-waste campaign tomorrow. It will end on October 19.

This initiative is in collaboration with Think Green (Pvt) Ltd, a registered e-waste recycling company for proper disposal of waste.

Hatton National Bank and Think Green (Pvt) Ltd, officials at the e-waste campaign. Pic: Wimal Karunathilake

"We ensure that business and sustainability are linked properly and have identified the importance of preserving the environment. The environment friendly practices while enabling a green environment will also contribute to the social well-being as it would prevent grave illnesses," HNB Managing Director and CEO, R. Theagarajah said. The 244 HNB branches will act as collection centres and this campaign will be part of HNB's CSR initiative.

"We have planted more than 45,000 plants with the help of the staff and customers. This journey will be taken to the next level through our green pledge on e-waste disposal," he said.

"We have a two-fold approach and will enhance the knowledge and awareness of customers and staff and families on the responsible disposal of e-waste which will lead us to preserve, harness and enhance the environment," Theagarajah said. "We will also encourage this target group to become active participants in the campaign."

Thirty percent of the e-waste collected will be recycled in Sri Lanka while the rest of the hazardous waste will be recycled in Singapore and Japan.

Every electronic device is made with an inter circuit board and when it become electronic waste, it is important to dispose it in a responsible manner.

Over 300,000 CPU systems are imported to Sri Lanka annually and the rate is growing rapidly. Most of the CPUs are used for only three years. There are 1.2 million mobile phones imported and all become e-waste with time and need a proper disposal mechanism, Think Green (Pvt) Ltd Marketing Head, Sivahar Muturamalinggam said.

Over 70 percent of e-waste is toxic and is a cause for water pollution when released to the environment. It is our responsibility to dispose e-waste in an environment friendly manner. It should not be used for land filling which will have adverse health effects, he said.

There will be special collection bins at HNB branches during the five-day campaign and at the end of the campaign the collection will be handed over to 'Think Green' for recycling purposes.

SJ