Bid to reduce technology waste

Integrated telecommunications service provider du has introduced a new environmental project, designed in collaboration with HP Middle East.

Called the HP Planet Partners Program, the initiative forms part of the company's strategy to help the environment.

It has been introduced into all the du offices in the UAE. The new scheme is expected to help cut technology waste by recycling toner cartridges, used in printers and photocopy machines.

Hala Badri, executive vice president at du, said: "Even as we grow as a company, we need to be sensitive to ensure the reduction in our ecological footprint.

"What makes the initiative with HP special is that it will play a major role in reducing technology waste in the UAE and we believe this campaign will raise awareness about the environmentally sensitive issues and become an example for others to follow."

The "HP Planet Partners Program" offers a convenient return and recycling service for original HP printer toner cartridges.

The firm aims to develop new original HP cartridges and other products with the help of recycled plastic from collected cartridges.

Amin Mortazavi, general manager for HP Middle East Imaging and Printing Group, said: "We are happy to have du on board in our most important environmental initiative aimed at saving the planet from technology waste.

"HP was the first computer manufacturer to operate its own recycling centre in 1997, and it is estimated that 300,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions were avoided through HP's recycling activities in 2008 alone. To date, HP has recycled over 2 billion pounds (lbs) of electronic products and supplies."