DUBAI, UAE — The UAE government has launched an ongoing initiative to tackle electronic waste (e-waste) while supporting underprivileged students worldwide. The campaign, called “Donate Your Own Device” (DYOD), encourages individuals and organizations to donate used or broken electronic devices, which are either refurbished for reuse or recycled.
With the world generating an estimated 50 million tonnes of e-waste annually, the initiative aims to reduce the environmental impact of discarded electronics while providing essential technology to students in need. This figure, equivalent to about 800 laptops being thrown away every second, highlights the scale of the problem, and the UAE hopes to address it through a long-term, sustainable solution.
The DYOD campaign collects a wide range of devices, including computers, laptops, tablets, smartphones, routers, and accessories like headphones and chargers. Both functional and non-working gadgets are accepted, with broken devices either repaired or recycled. Refurbished electronics are donated to students from underserved communities through The Digital School (TDS), an educational initiative under the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI). TDS provides certified online education to students who lack access to formal schooling in regions such as Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Iraq, Mauritania, Bangladesh, and Colombia.
How to Donate Individuals and organizations can participate in the campaign. For individuals, devices can be dropped off at any Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) center across the UAE, with addresses available on the ERC website. Alternatively, donors can use the Reloop app to arrange home pickups and earn redeemable points as a reward for their contributions.
Organizations looking to donate devices in bulk can fill out a form on the DYOD website, providing details about the number of items and their collection address.
Data Security Concerns Addressed A common concern for those donating electronic devices is the security of their personal data. The DYOD campaign has partnered with EcycleX, a data-wiping facility, to ensure all donated devices undergo a thorough data-erasure process. This step ensures that personal information is securely removed from all gadgets before they are refurbished or recycled.
Making a Global Impact The donated devices play a crucial role in bridging the digital divide for students who live in areas with little to no access to the digital world. As part of The Digital School’s mission, these devices are used to provide online education to students who otherwise would not have the means to access learning resources.
The initiative has already made significant strides, with UAE residents donating 50,000 devices in support of students in need. By extending the life of used electronics and reducing e-waste, the DYOD campaign not only supports the environment but also empowers students in underserved communities through education.
The UAE continues to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability and humanitarian efforts, aligning with the country’s broader goals of environmental responsibility and global outreach.
