FirstBank launches mobile phone recycling campaign
The recycling program was launched as a pilot project in 23 of FirstBank’s branches in 2014.
Aware of the importance of reducing the environmental damage caused by contamination related to the improper discarding of mobile phones, FirstBank has launched a device collection program at all of its branches under the slogan of “Dona tu celu en FirstBank” (“Donate your mobile phone at FirstBank.”)
The effort is also underway at the bank’s FirstMortgage and Money Express subsidiaries, and is running under FirstBank’s “Uno con el Ambiente” (“One with the Environment”) program.
The recycling program was launched as a pilot project in 23 of FirstBank’s branches in 2014, and collected 2,993 mobile phones, 365 lbs. of lead batteries, 340 lbs. of cables and 20 lbs. of chargers, which were then delivered for recycling to E-Cycling Puerto Rico Inc.
The results represent 1,625 lbs. fewer mobile phones contaminating the environment on an island where there are about 3 million active mobiles that are replaced at a rate of 1.6 million annually. The bank donated $7,046 collected from the electronic devices delivered to the recycler to the Martín Peña Recicla nonprofit organization.
Encouraged by these results, First Bank also launched its new sitio web showing how to donate inactive mobile phones, chargers and accessories.
“At FirstBank we are aware that both cellular devices and batteries contain highly contaminating materials for humans, plants and wildlife. The driving force of our social responsibility program, ‘Uno con el Ambiente,’ is our continued support to such initiatives for the sake of the environment and of future generations,” said Carmen Pagán, senior vice president of compliance and community reinvestment at FirstBank.
