Every sTEP forward: TEP Month 2025 launches this July
In today’s digital age, new technologies are continuously released that we barely notice how quickly they evolve. Naturally, as newer and upgraded devices come out, we, as consumers, also tend to upgrade and keep up with the latest trends, leaving our old gadgets behind. As we step toward the future, have you thought about the devices that we abandon along the way?
That very question brings us to a growing global concern: electronic waste (e-waste). You may also think that discarded electronics seem harmless, but what looks like junk can actually be dangerous, as these old electronics hide toxic chemicals. When not properly disposed of, these can pose serious threats to both our health and the environment.
With this, The E-Waste Project or TEP, now celebrating its 13th year of advocacy, has consistently taken initiative and raised awareness on the proper disposal and management of e-waste. Over the years, the initiative has earned recognition not only for spreading awareness but also for empowering communities to take meaningful action. Beyond collection drives, TEP has expanded its reach through webinars, campus campaigns, and partnerships that promote a sustainable way of engaging with technology. In fact, its latest iteration in 2024 marked a major milestone, achieving its largest collection yet, amassing a total of 10,794.335 kilograms of electronic waste donations.
This July 2025, mark your calendars for our first-ever TEP Month, a month-long series of transformative events designed to amplify our advocacy and make a bigger impact than ever before.
The month starts with TEP Caravan, an information session held in FEU Institute of Technology on July 9 and TEPTalk, a webinar live on Zoom and via TEP’s Facebook page on July 14, both of which are educational sessions designed to equip attendees with a deeper understanding of the e-waste crisis and how they can be part of the solution. And as always, action is just as important as awareness. This year’s Collection Drive will run for two weeks, from July 10 to July 12 and July 17 to July 19, at the Engineering Lawn in UP Diliman. Donors can drop off items such as old phones, small appliances, batteries, and even CDs. For those who can’t make it, 24/7 drop-off points are also available at the EEEI Building, CS Library, and Molave Residence Hall. It’s a convenient way to ensure your unused electronics are put to better use, rather than ending up in a landfill.
To culminate the month, TEP will be holding the first ever, the Electronics Sustainability Convention (ESCON) 2025, this July 26 at UP Diliman. This highly anticipated event will feature a roundtable discussion, digital art competition, speaker talks, and a case presentation competition that brings together innovators, advocates, and changemakers to share ideas and solutions for the e-waste crisis.
For more details of the events follow The E-Waste Project’s official Facebook page at facebook.com/theewasteproject for the latest updates.
TEP Month 2025 is more than a celebration, it’s a call to reflect, learn, and act. Whether you’re tuning in to a webinar, dropping off an old device, or spreading the word, you’re already taking a meaningful sTEP toward a more sustainable future. Every small sTEP counts—Para sa Bayan, Para sa Mundo.