Big firms join forces in recycling project

MANILA, Philippines - For the second time since the launch of i-rEcover, i-rEcycle program a year ago,  McDonald’s Philippines again donated hundreds of old cellular phones, batteries, and chargers to support the recycling program initiated by Nokia Philippines, Globe Telecom, Ayala Foundation, Inc., and Philippine Tarsier Foundation, Inc. (PTFI). 

The new donation of 398 items was in addition to the 613 defective mobile phones and accessories which McDonald’s turned over in November 2011, bringing the total to 1,011.

“McDonald’s was the first local company to heed the call for the recycling project and they promised to continue doing so.  Hopefully, this campaign would also create awareness for other companies and individuals on the importance of saving our environment and our endangered species,” said Rob I. Nazal, head of Globe Corporate Social Responsibility. 

The box of old cellular phones and accessories were used for a marketing program of McDonald’s which already ended.  “We know that disposal should not be harmful to the environment so we decided to donate the items to Globe for recycling,” Ramoncito V. Nazarea, manager for McDonald’s management services said.

“Management continuously imbues to its employees the value of malasakit not only for the company but also for the country.  We are constantly motivated to let go of our personal interest for the better good,” he added. 

The i-rEcover, i-rEcycle program aims to attract the general public, including Globe and non-Globe subscribers, as well as Nokia and non-Nokia users, to donate old mobile phones by bringing them to the cellphone recycling bins located in Globe stores and at Ayala malls.  

For every old mobile phone collected for recycling, Nokia will donate P100 to the PTFI to support programs for preserving the Philippine tarsier and its habitat.  Anyone who donates a “complete” mobile phone (with battery) will also receive a Nokia Eco-item.