Nokia launches e-waste management initiative

To promote recycling of electronic waste, Nokia India will launch a campaign where customers can drop their old handset in the company's stores and win gifts.

Mobile phone users can dispose their used handsets and accessories like chargers at any of the recycling bins set up across Nokia Priority Dealers and Nokia Care Centres in New Delhi, the company said in a statement.

The 'Take Back' campaign, which commences tomorrow, will be rolled out in phases across the country, it added.

The Finnish handset major, in turn, will plant a tree for every handset dropped into these bins.

"As market leaders in mobile devices, we have a unique opportunity to make an impact that goes beyond our own business. As responsible leaders, we want to drive best practices in our industry," Nokia India VP and Managing Director D Shivakumar said.

According to a survey conducted by the company in 13 countries, only three per cent said they had recycled their old phone. Also, 50 per cent of those surveyed didn't know phones could be recycled, with awareness being the lowest in India at 17 per cent.