Expired or damaged mobile appliances are a health hazard, should be disposed properly - MCMC

Many people do not realise that mobile appliances which have expired or are damaged should be disposed of in the correct manner to prevent pollution and health hazards.

The head of Technology Development in the Technology and Community Division of the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) Badaruzzaman Mat Nor said electrical components inside devices such as smartphones, tablets,batteries, chargers and 'pen drives' contained dangerous pollutants.

"Hazardous materials such as lead, cadmium and mercury can cause high pollution and invite health risks if not properly managed," he told Bernama when met at KL Converge! 2015 exhibition here, Friday.

He said people could now gather mobile devices which were no longer used in 'e-Mobile Waste' boxes.

"Once the devices have been gathered, a certified recycling company will do the collection process for disposal. The materials that can no longer be used will be disposed of safely.

Badaruzzaman said the 'e-Waste Mobile' boxes were available in 72 telecommunications company branches nationwide, and it planned to add more locations in the near future.