Turning Old Tech into Better Habits

What happens to the gadgets we outgrow, replace, or accidentally break? For many Filipinos, the answer used to be simple—but not ideal: tucked away in drawers, forgotten in boxes, or thrown out with regular trash. Today, that story is slowly changing, thanks to an effort that meets people where they already spend their time.

Inside SM Supermalls, responsible e-waste disposal has become part of the everyday mall experience. Through a nationwide initiative led by Cyberzone in partnership with SM Cares, dedicated e-waste drop-off points were rolled out beginning June 2024, with support from Smart Communications and PLDT Home.

Placed in highly visible, easy-to-reach areas—many within Cyberzone itself—these bins give mallgoers a clear option for disposing of old phones, broken accessories, and unused electronics. The goal is simple: remove the friction. By making disposal convenient and familiar, responsible action becomes a habit rather than a chore.

The results show how access drives action. Since the program began, 14,327 kilograms of electronic waste have been properly collected across 89 SM Supermalls nationwide, with 69 of these drop-off points located in Cyberzone areas. Each kilogram represents devices diverted away from landfills and into proper segregation and handling systems—small individual actions adding up to meaningful environmental impact.

Cyberzone leaders see this as part of their role as a tech destination. As innovation accelerates and devices evolve faster than ever, responsible end-of-life management becomes just as important as the excitement of new releases.

Looking ahead, the initiative is designed to grow. As new malls open and communities expand, more drop-off points will follow—helping turn mindful tech disposal into a shared, sustainable routine, and bringing communities one step closer to an #SMWasteFreeFuture.