All our operations generate waste. We are committed to reduce, reuse and recycle where possible.
Typical wastes from our network include equipment (such as redundant switches), cables, metal (from antennae and ironwork supports), construction waste, wood and batteries. Our hazardous waste consists mainly of lead acid batteries used as a back-up power supply for network equipment.
We replace network equipment at our base stations regularly, to ensure we are up-to-date with the latest technology. Where possible we resell our unwanted equipment for reuse. Equipment that cannot be resold is broken down into separate materials for recycling.
We also help our customers to recycle: all our operating companies provide facilities for customers to recycle their unwanted handsets.
See more on reuse and recycling of network equipment and mobile phones.
Office waste
The main wastes produced by our offices, call centres and shops are paper, printer toner cartridges, packaging material and IT equipment.
In 2007/08, we purchased 1,278 tonnes of paper and recycled approximately 1,634 tonnes. The figure for paper purchased includes paper used for billing, the disposal of which we have no control over. The figure for paper recycled includes paper that arrives as packaging.
E-billing
E-billing saves paper and cuts costs. Several of our operating companies are encouraging customers to opt for paperless billing either by charging for paper bills or offering online bills by default. In India, for example, customers can simply text EBILL plus their email address to a short-code number to request paperless billing.