Taiwan Mobile is committed to responsible environmental stewardship throughout the lifecycle of
our products and services. We recognize the importance of managing end-of-life electrical and electronic
equipment (WEEE or e-waste) and have established comprehensive programs to address this critical area.
Currently, Taiwan Mobile implements the following three key programs to effectively manage
e-waste:
Used/Waste Mobile Phone Recycling Program: This program facilitates the collection
and responsible recycling of old and discarded mobile phones from our customers and internal operations.
We ensure that these devices are processed in an environmentally sound manner, extracting valuable
materials and preventing hazardous substances from entering the environment.
Certified Second-Hand Mobile Phone Recycling Program: Beyond general recycling, we
operate a certified program for second-hand mobile phones. This initiative focuses on reconditioning and
reselling eligible devices, extending their lifespan and reducing the demand for new product
manufacturing. Devices that cannot be reconditioned are directed to our responsible recycling channels.
Set-Top Box (STB) Recycling Program: As a telecommunications provider, we manage a significant inventory of set-top boxes. Our dedicated STB recycling program ensures that these devices are collected from customers at the end of their service life and are either refurbished for reuse or responsibly recycled, adhering to the best environmental practices.
Through these concerted efforts, Taiwan Mobile actively contributes to the reduction of
e-waste, fosters resource efficiency, and supports global sustainability goals.
Tracking of WEEE generated from products sold
Used/Waste Mobile Phone Recycling Program:
(1) Place the recycling bin in a prominent location in the store and maintain it regularly to ensure
normal use.
(2) Store staff guide customers to recycle old mobile phones.
(3) Implement recycling; notify the vendor for collection when the bin is 70% full
(4) Offering a trade-in service, our retail staff actively promote device recycling by encouraging
customers to return their old devices in exchange for discounts on new ones.
Certified Second-Hand Mobile Phone Recycling Program
Old devices collected from retail stores are sorted, and those in near-new condition (90% new) are
carefully selected. After data wiping, special inspections, and thorough cleaning, they are repackaged
and sold to the next user, supporting the circular economy.
Set-Top Box Tracking and Management Mechanism
To ensure full traceability and control over leased set-top boxes throughout their entire lifecycle, a
comprehensive serial number-based and system-driven tracking mechanism is implemented, covering the
rental, return, maintenance, and disposal phases. The process includes: (1) Serial Number Control
Every set-top box is assigned a unique serial number, which is registered upon warehousing.
Regardless of whether the device is installed at the customer’s location, returned to inventory,
or
sent for repair, its current status and location can be tracked through the serial number.
The system assigns a corresponding status code (e.g., In Use, Returned, Refurbishing, Disposed) to
each serial number for complete process control.
(2) Systematic Management of Rentals and Changes
Customer activities such as installation, device replacement, contract termination, or returns are
all
logged in the customer service/materials management system.
Movements of devices between the warehouse and customer premises are recorded through barcode
scanning
to avoid manual errors.
The system is updated in real time with device status, user information, and installation address
to
ensure data consistency.
(3) RMA and Refurbishment Records
When a set-top box is returned to the manufacturer for RMA or sent to a designated refurbishment
center, all logistics movements are recorded in the materials management system based on the serial
number.
Repair details and component replacements are also logged, ensuring traceability of service
quality
and history.
Once refurbished, the unit's status is updated to "Refurbished – Available" and it is returned to
warehouse inventory for redeployment.
(4) Tracking and Retrieving Unreturned Devices
If a customer fails to return the set-top box after contract termination, the system will generate
a
periodic list of unreturned devices.
Customer service or asset management personnel will proactively contact the customer to retrieve
the
device, through calls, reminders, or third-party logistics.
Overdue policies are enforced, and in cases of non-return, the device may be written off or the
customer charged a compensation fee according to contractual terms.
This tracking system effectively minimizes asset loss, improves operational efficiency, and
supports audit, accounting, and service quality control.
Takeback programs to reuse/recycle WEEE
Action plans to increase the amount of WEEE collected from takeback programs
Through POSM and the official website's campaign page, we communicate that Taiwan Mobile offers a
device recycling service.
Offering additional discounts on new device prices through trade-in promotions to encourage consumers
to recycle more of their old devices.
Incentives are also provided to retail staff for old device trade-ins, encouraging them to actively
promote the trade-in service to customers.
Quantifiable targets to increase the amount of takeback WEEE reused/recycled
Through our “2035 Zetta connected 2.0” sustainable vision, we have established clear,
quantifiable short- to long-term targets for increasing the amount of takeback WEEE that is reused and
recycled, specifically focusing on used/waste mobile phones.
Our cumulative takeback targets for used/waste mobile phones, starting from 2020, are as
follows:
By 2025: 283,000 units
By 2026: 358,000 units
By 2030: 666,000 units
By 2035: 1,000,000 units
These ambitious targets underscore our dedication to responsible e-waste management and our
contribution to a more sustainable future.
Ensure recipients of WEEE have e-waste management standards in place
TWM’s waste mobile phones are handled by the company: All Right Consultant & Development Co.,
Ltd., which has obtained the Environmental Protection Administration's processing organization regulation
number and the Taoyuan City Government's waste disposal permit.
Awareness raising, training or educational programs on WEEE takeback/recycling provided to customers.
Complete Waste Disposal License of the Waste Processing Contractor (including electronic waste
processing):
Taoyuan City Waste Processing Permit No. 0228-1, issued in 2023 (Document No. 112 Taoyuan City Waste-A Disposal Document 0228-1), valid until October 2028.
Awareness raising, training or educational programs on WEEE takeback/recycling provided
to customers
In addition to offering trade-in services at retail stores, staff also promote the program
through verbal communication. The official website's trade-in campaign page features messages supporting
carbon reduction and the circular economy, helping raise customer awareness about electronic waste
recycling and reuse.
A dedicated campaign page with the theme of “Let's level up our carbon reduction together! Support the circular economy for a brighter future for our planet ” ,has been created on Taiwan Mobile's official Chinese website for the nationwide device trade-in program, promoting and encouraging consumers to support and participate in the circular economy by trading in old devices for new ones — a flexible, convenient, and cost-effective solution. For reference, please visit: https://www.taiwanmobile.com/content/event/old-for-new/index.html
End of Life Cycle E-waste Indicators
Takeback of waste from electrical and/or electronic equipment (WEEE or e-waste)
Unit
FY 2021
FY 2022
FY 2023
FY 2024
Total weight of WEEE collected from takeback Programs
*(Calculate based on the average weight of a mobile phone, 0.1 kg)
Metric Tonnes
2.6657
2.9214
5.6543
7.4201
Percentage of takeback WEEE reused / resold / recycled
Percentage
51%
57%
82%
80%
Percentage of takeback
WEEE disposed / landfilled
Percentage
49%
43%
18%
20%
*NoteThe recycling rate only counts the mobile phone part, excluding accessories and batteries.
