Monday Nov 25, 2024
Monday Nov 25, 2024
Wednesday, 28 May 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The event is aimed at encouraging the public to dispose their e-waste in a manner that will not pollute the environment. The wastes generated from non-functional discarded equipment, scientifically identified as e-waste, have become a major threat to the environment. Components of discarded computers, mobile phones and accessories comprise of considerable bulk of the e-waste generated daily.
The majority of modern electric and electronic equipment and devices use electronic circuits which comprise of heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium etc., which accumulate in the food chains and food webs as well as in the natural environment leading to ‘Bio Magnification’. These hazardous chemicals accumulate in garbage dumps and landfills and also contaminate ground water in the form of leachate.
Destroying this waste leads to emission of hazardous gases to the air, which could be life threatening to many living organisms. Exposure to this hazardous waste could lead to short term (acute) and long term (chronic) illnesses to humans and animals. These hazards could also affect adversely in hormonal balances and could lead to many serious illnesses in the nervous, blood circulation and reproductive systems including cancers and tumors.
Today, electric and electronic equipment play a major role in the day-to-day activities of urban as well as rural folk in villages. The amount of e-waste generated is colossal, particularly from cheap electronic products. It is therefore, vital to educate the masses on selecting reputed brands of electrical and electronic equipment and also on correct disposable methods of their e-waste.
Abans focus the highest priority on eco-friendly products which are rigidly tested against environmental pollution and have given prominence to introduce its Waste Management Strategy focusing on globally accepted waste management mechanisms of the 3 R’s – ‘Reduce, Refuse, Recycle’ concept in Sri Lanka.
Together with Central Environmental Authority, Abans launc hed E-Waste Management Week on 26 May. Cleantech Limited, a member of the Abans Group, will conduct islandwide e-waste management awareness programs. Also Cleantech Ltd invites businesses, organisations, government and public institutions etc., to register with them for free collection of e-waste on a regular basis.
During E-Waste Management Week 26 May to 2 June 2014, Abans have designated many of their showrooms where centers will be set up for collection of e-waste.
The public in these areas are kindly requested to deposit their e-waste at the following locations:
Abans showrooms: Athurugiriya, Attidiya, Avissawella ‘B’, Bambalapitiya, Battaramulla, Boralesgamuwa, Kollupitiiya (HP Dept), Dehiwala (HP Dept), Dematagoda, Godagama, Godakawela, Hanwella, Homagama ‘B’, Kaduwela, Kesbewa, Kirulapone, Kolonnawa, Kosgama, Kotahena, Kotikawatte, Kottawa, Maharagama (HP Dept), Maharagama ‘B’, Maharagama 2nds, Majestic City, Malabe, Moratuwa ‘A’, Mount Lavinia Elite (HP Dept), Nugegoda, Padukka, Piliyandala, Piliyandala ‘B’, Pitakotte 2nds, Rajagiriya (HP Dept), Ratmalana (HP Dept), Thalawatugoda, Kollupitiya FBC (Mobile Showroom), K-Zone Katubedde Keells Showroom, Cargills Bigcity Maharagama, Cargills Bigcity Katubedde.
ABS courier service branches: Colombo, Ampara, Badulla, Dambulla, Galle, Jaffna, Kandy, Kalutara, Kurunegala, Chilaw, Mahiyanganaya, Tissamaharamaya, Matara, Nuwara Eliya, Ratnapura, Bandarawela, Ambalanthota, Tangalle, Nittambuwa, Vavuniya, Anuradhapura, Piliyandala, Seeduwa. For more details please contact Rangika on 0716850994/0114515155.
Pic by Lasantha Kumara
