Safaricom asks Kenyans to bring old phones for recycling

Safaricom Urges Kenyans to Surrender Old Phones and Chargers for Recycling

By Staff Reporter

Safaricom, one of Kenya's leading telecommunications companies, has called on Kenyans to surrender their old mobile phones, chargers, earphones and other unused electronic gadgets for recycling. The initiative is part of the company's efforts to reduce electronic waste and promote environmental protection.

In an announcement made on November 6, 2026, Safaricom encouraged members of the public to check their homes and offices for electronic devices they no longer use and take them to any Safaricom retail shop across the country. The company has set November 13, 2026, as the deadline for the collection exercise.

The items targeted include old mobile phones, damaged chargers, unused earphones and other small electronic accessories. According to the company, the initiative will help recover valuable materials from discarded gadgets, reduce environmental pollution and prevent electronic waste from ending up in landfills.

Electronic waste, commonly known as e-waste, has become a major environmental concern worldwide. It consists of discarded electronic devices such as mobile phones, computers, batteries, televisions and chargers. When these materials are improperly disposed of, some of their components can release harmful substances into the environment, contaminating soil and water. Burning electronic waste can also release dangerous pollutants into the atmosphere.

The growing demand for smartphones and other electronic devices has contributed to the increasing amount of electronic waste. Many people replace their phones regularly, leaving old devices and accessories unused in drawers, cupboards and storage spaces. Others dispose of damaged gadgets alongside ordinary household rubbish without considering the environmental consequences.

Safaricom's recycling initiative is therefore an important step towards encouraging responsible electronic waste management. By providing collection points at its retail outlets, the company is making it easier for ordinary people to dispose of unwanted electronic gadgets properly.

The initiative also offers important lessons to everyday technology users. People should understand that electronic devices should not be treated like ordinary household waste. Instead, they should be repaired, reused, donated or taken to appropriate recycling centres whenever possible. Users should also avoid keeping unnecessary electronic gadgets for long periods without a proper disposal plan.

Before handing over old phones, users should protect their personal information by backing up important files, removing SIM and memory cards and resetting their devices where possible.

Safaricom has clarified that the exercise is strictly for recycling and that participants should not expect monetary compensation for their gadgets.

As the November 13 deadline approaches, Kenyans are encouraged to participate in the initiative and embrace responsible electronic waste disposal.

Ultimately, protecting the environment is a collective responsibility. Small actions, such as recycling an old phone or charger, can contribute to building a cleaner and healthier environment for future generations.