DENR Bicol launches “E-Waste ‘to, Iwasto” program

By Sally A. Altea

LEGAZPI CITY --- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Bicol led the launching of the E-Waste ‘To, Iwasto Program on Monday at the SM City Legazpi in a bid to widen awareness on the proper disposal, including the hazardous effects of electrical waste (e-waste).

The program is in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Eco Waste Coalition and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Legazpi City.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) – Bicol, in collaboration with United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Local Government Unit (LGU) of Legazpi and Eco Waste Coalition, launched the ‘’E-waste ‘To, Iwasto Program’’ on October 17, 2022 at SM Legazpi, City to educate stakeholders on the proper disposal of electronic waste, which can be hazardous to human health and environment.

“The improper handling and disposal of e-waste increases that is why we are announcing this program. It is also significant to raise awareness for our stakeholders on how to properly dispose e-waste,’’ DENR Bicol Director Francisco E. Milla, Jr. said.

Milla urged residents to bring their outdated, broken, and discarded electronics and household equipment except batteries and busted florescent lamps at the material recovery facility of the Environment Management Bureau Bicol at Rawis, Legazpi City.

The public can also drop-off used and old Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) at the sanitary landfill in this city.

He added that the program also aims to train, educate and raise awareness among the informal sectors such as junk shop owners who are collecting house-to-house WEEE from households.

Milla reminded the junk shop owners and other waste collectors to properly dispose the waste materials after removing the parts that can still be used or sold, as exposure to toxic chemicals from the electronic equipment can cause poisoning and damage to health and environment.

Barangay San Roque in this city was also selected as pilot barangay for on-ground implementation of the program. A drop-off facility will be established here for proper collection and disposal of WEEE in their communities. (PIA5/Albay/CLM)