Converge ramps up zero waste initiative, pushes for proper waste segregation in offices

Leading fiber broadband and technology provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. has amplified its group-wide waste management campaign as it launched the third phase of its zero waste movement – focusing on proper waste segregation – in line with its pursuit of eliminating its landfill waste by 2030.

The new phase, titled ‘Countdown to Zero Waste 3.0,’ introduces the segregation of trash into three categories: biodegradable, residual, and special waste. This move aims to enhance the reuse, recycling, and recovery of scrap materials, in accordance with the local regulations of Pasig, where the headquarters of Converge is located.

To support this initiative, Converge has partnered with Alon and Araw, a non-profit organization based in Zambales. The group helps underprivileged children in coastal communities while tackling marine pollution by upcycling plastics into reusable materials.

Converge will donate the plastic bottles it collects to Alon and Araw and will also procure its trash bins from the group’s upcycled products.

Additionally, Converge has collaborated with Humble, a local climate technology company, to recycle and resell its discarded IT equipment, thus promoting circularity.

“We are committed to providing essential broadband access for Filipinos while minimizing any negative impacts we have on individuals and the environment. Among our sustainability targets is to achieve zero waste to landfill by 2030 and currently, we strive to effectively manage our solid waste from operations,” said Converge Chief Commercial Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer Benjamin Azada.

“For this waste segregation, we aligned with the city of Pasig to ensure that while we do good and care for the environment, we are also compliant with local regulations. Starting next year, we will install these three trash bins in all our common areas,” Converge VP and Head of Corporate Communications and Public Relations Jay-Anne Encarnado added.

In 2022, Converge initiated its Countdown to Zero Waste campaign to attain zero waste to landfill by 2030. In its first phase, the company launched an initiative aimed at managing waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) or e-waste. Converge considers this a strategically important initiative as the Philippines is the third biggest generator of e-waste in Southeast Asia, producing approximately 540 million kg in 2022, equating to 4.67 kg per person, according to the Global E-Waste Monitor 2024.

“Given that e-waste contains hazardous chemicals as well as valuable metals that can be reused, we have implemented measures to handle it safely through our partners. These efforts enable Converge to contribute to achieving UN Sustainable Development Goal 12, focusing on responsible consumption and production,” Azada explained.

Converge installed e-waste boxes in its offices and business centers, where employees and customers can drop their e-waste. As of November 2023, more than 100 kilograms of e-waste were recovered from these drop boxes, which were turned over to partners for proper hauling, processing, and recycling. The program also addressed the upcycling of used marketing materials like tarpaulins.

The following year, Converge expanded the program to address plastic waste, urging its employees to reduce plastic consumption to gradually eliminate plastics from the company’s overall waste footprint. Converge has also cut down on plastic packaging for its modems, in line with the Extended Producer Responsibility Law.

Previously, through its partners, Converge has successfully repurposed over 1,300 kg of plastic waste into eco-cast material, which has been used for constructing perimeter walls at its facilities.