A significant initiative addressing the e-waste crisis in the Pacific led to the collection and transportation of 4,328 kilograms of electronic waste from Fiji to New Zealand for recycling. This effort was made possible through a partnership involving Samsung New Zealand, Blue Orca, and Echo, along with local partner Foneology.
Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd recently announced its successful fulfillment of a commitment to tackle the growing e-waste problems within the Pacific region. The company’s efforts not only ensured the responsible recycling of this waste but also had a tangible positive impact on the environment. The action prevented 25.6 kilograms of toxic metals from contaminating the soil and avoided the release of 1,421 kilograms of greenhouse gas emissions, ultimately benefiting local communities.
Shannon Watts, the marketing director for Samsung Electronics New Zealand, highlighted the urgent need for action due to limited local recycling options and significant environmental risks. She expressed pride in the initiative’s success, noting that it represents a crucial step toward mitigating the detrimental effects of e-waste across the Pacific Islands while showcasing the potential of collaboration between diverse partners.
The initiative is part of a broader evaluation of e-waste challenges that Samsung engaged Blue Orca to undertake across five Pacific Islands: Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands, and Timor Leste. This assessment revealed a critical lack of recycling infrastructure, leading to concerns over the environmental impact of unmanaged e-waste, as much of it currently ends up in landfills or is incinerated in Fiji.
This program aligns with Samsung New Zealand’s ongoing commitment to its global Everyday Sustainability Environmental Strategy, which aims to contribute to climate change mitigation. Over the past two years, Samsung New Zealand, in collaboration with Echo, has successfully recycled over 73 tonnes of e-waste through local collection drives in Auckland. The partnership has facilitated the transport and recycling of more than 38 tonnes of end-of-life appliances and electronic equipment collected from various locations across the Pacific.
Overall, these efforts reflect a growing awareness and proactive approach to dealing with e-waste, emphasizing the importance of responsible recycling and community involvement in protecting the environment.
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