Reduce and Recycle E-waste

18 Mar 2024

Have e-waste in the form of unused electronics? You can do something about it.

Electronic devices have become indispensable in our daily lives, encompassing a broad spectrum of consumer and home electronics, whether analog or digital, for family and personal use. Many of us own personal electronic devices that cater to our communication and lifestyle needs, including smartphones, tablets, eReaders, wearable tech, personal care gadgets, gaming devices, drones, audio-video equipment, as well as virtual and augmented reality devices.

However, as we upgrade to the latest models of home electronics, smartphones, laptops, and other gadgets, the last thing we think about is how to responsibly dispose of the ones we no longer use—and that contributes to a rise in e-waste.

Here's how you can reduce e-waste responsibly

Give unused electronic devices a second life

Trade-In: Consider trading in devices that hold a higher value or have a significant residual value, such as branded smartphones. The residual value decreases over time, so it's advisable to trade in or sell these devices as soon as you stop using them. Your used devices will be refurbished and reused. Discover how you can trade in your devices with Maxis.

Donate or Gift: If you have a working item that no longer meets your needs, think about donating or gifting it to a worthy cause. This could include good working appliances, which can be given to organisations or individuals in need, such as your preferred charity, underprivileged students, or others.

Recycle e-waste with authorised collectors

It's vital to prevent electronic waste from reaching landfills. Improper disposal of e-waste poses significant hazards. Electronic devices contain toxic substances and heavy metals, including chromium, cadmium, mercury, and lead, which can contaminate soil, air, and waterways when they leach out.

The recycling process allows for the recovery of valuable materials such as precious metals, including gold, silver, and platinum, along with copper, aluminum, plastic, and glass, which are used in the manufacturing of electronics. By reclaiming and reusing these valuable materials, the demand for new, virgin materials is reduced.

E-waste collectors authorised by the Department of Environment (Jabatan Alam Sekitar) ensure that your collected e-waste is directed to licensed e-waste recovery facilities or e-waste processors. This guarantees responsible handling and processing of electronic waste, in compliance with environmental regulations.

Licensed recovery facilities do more than just extract precious and valuable metals from e-waste. These facilities are also equipped to manage the hazardous elements found in e-waste, such as heavy metals, preventing them from polluting the environment and posing risks to human health. Additionally, they handle recyclable materials, such as plastic and glass, ensuring a comprehensive approach to e-waste management.

Find an authorised e-waste collector

Visit Department of Environment of Malaysia’s website, or
Participate in the Maxis e-Waste Recycling Campaign that is facilitated by an authorised e-waste collector.

Protect your personal data

Last but not least, before you hand over your personal electronics, such as smartphones, tablets, and wearable devices, for trade-in or recycling, ensure that you have removed your personal data and performed a factory reset.