‘Dead’ gadgets’ drop-off points

Smartphones and laptops often last two to five years before performance lags, batteries lose capacity, software upgrade ends, drops or liquid exposure damage it, or its broken parts are already phased out. Disposing such electronics in a landfill when they die can contaminate ecosystems and drinking water with toxins like lead, mercury, cadmium and brominated flame retardants that e-wastes leach.

Safe disposal of dead gadgets means dropping these off at dedicated bins for broken electronics at SM Supermalls. With partners Smart Communications and PLDT Home, Cyberzone E-Waste Collection Drop Boxes have been put up in 89 SM Supermalls since 2024 to ensure that e-waste are properly collected and segregated for responsible handling and recycling. The Drop Boxes have so far gathered 14,327 kilograms of e-waste.

“Cyberzone is committed to making it simpler and safer to do the right thing, so tech does not end up harming the planet,” Patrick Pacla, vice president for Cyberzone operations and marketing at SM Supermalls, said.