Fujitsu Siemens Computers and Makro have partnered in a joint initiative to provide consumers and businesses with a safe and environmentally sensitive method of recycling electronic waste (e-waste).
E-waste poses a potential environmental threat and this initiative underlines Fujitsu Siemens Computers and Makro's commitment to protect the environment for the future.
"As a pilot project, an e-waste recycling hub has been placed at Makro's Woodmead store and we are encouraging people to bring us their e-waste for recycling," says Bruno Persic, Consumer Channel Manager at Fujitsu Siemens Computers. "People can make use of this hub to recycle all electronic waste, including notebooks, PCs, monitors, cellular phones and calculators, irrespective of brand. We plan to roll this project out at all of Makro's stores nationwide within the coming months."
The average computer monitor contains over 10 times the lead that a car does. This could pose an environmental hazard if incorrectly disposed, and the impact would be extremely long-term. Disposing of e-waste in the recycling hub will result in the item being stripped, recyclable elements recycled, and hazardous materials disposed of in an environmentally correct manner.
"When one considers that about 240 000 notebooks and 120 000 PCs are sold through the retail channel in South Africa annually, there is the potential for a great deal of e-waste posed by the devices and units that these are replacing. We see it as our responsibility to facilitate the disposal of as much as possible of this waste in an environmentally correct manner," concludes Persic.
"As a large retailer of electronic products in South Africa, we believe it is our duty to facilitate the recycling and environmentally safe disposal of electrical goods," says Derick Kalan, General Merchandise Director of Makro Stores. "We are mindful of the potential hazard of e-waste and we believe by providing this facility, we can make it easier for our customers to dispose of their old equipment."
NOTE - High-resolution images are available from Lance Rothschild - lance@opportunate.co.za
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Fujitsu Siemens Computers is the leading European IT infrastructure manufacturer and at the same time market leader in Germany. With its strategic focus on innovative mobility and dynamic data centre products, services and solutions, the company offers a unique range of products - from notebooks and desktops up to IT infrastructure solutions and services. Fujitsu Siemens Computers is present in all key markets in Europe, Africa and the Middle East - its Infrastructure Services division is active in 170 countries. The company benefits from the global co-operation and innovation power of both its shareholders, Fujitsu Ltd and Siemens AG. The focus is on the specific requirements of its customers, be they large, small or medium-sized companies or private consumers. Fujitsu Siemens Computers is one of the pioneers in using environmentally friendly technologies and processes throughout the entire life cycle of a product. It is also a member of the Climate Savers Computing Initiative, Green Grid organisations as well as the United Nations initiative "Global Compact".
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