Here’s where to donate e-waste in Baguio

A global report published by the United Nations in 2024 reveals electronic waste generation is rising five times faster than it’s being recycled, highlighting the need for humans to adopt sustainability with a heightened sense of urgency.

In 2022, the Philippines produced 537 million kg of e-waste, or 4.7 kg of e-waste per capita. Millions of electronic devices are thrown away each year, which can be a threat to the environment and public health if not disposed of or recycled properly.

Up north in the city of Baguio is Bakakeng Central Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), where residents can donate e-waste for disposal, including cellphones, desktops, appliances, circuit boards, device chargers, fax machines, and similar items.

“If improperly treated and mismanaged, these pieces of materials coming from e-waste can pollute our rivers and soil, and the harmful chemicals can dissipate in the atmosphere,” said Marivic Empizo, assistant department head at City Environment and Parks Management Office.

The MRF in Baguio is the first e-waste collection facility outside Metro Manila and the third in the country. It is programmed to accept up to 10 tons of e-waste annually.

“Households can bring electronic waste to the barangay halls and the barangay officials can contact us, and we can have it howled and transported to our e-waste TSD facility,” she added.

In partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, the project established e-waste collection facilities in Caloocan City and Malabon City before expanding to Baguio.

“If there is no appropriate gadget or facility, it will be harmful to the health of the dismantlers who are mostly children and women,” said Analiza Teh, DENR undersecretary for sustainability and climate change.

Helping the environment, which ultimately concerns the planet and human health, starts with adopting a sustainable lifestyle. This doesn’t require abrupt shifts but rather small, consistent steps that, when done collectively, can help take down the harmful culture behind overconsumption.

If you’re from Baguio, take your e-waste for proper treatment and disposal at Bakakeng Central MRF, open from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.