BOV sheds light on e-waste to mark European week for waste reduction

As part of this year’s European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR), one of the standout initiatives by Bank of Valletta was the creation of a robot constructed entirely from electronic waste. “Roborg”, built from discarded electronics in line with this year’s theme of Electric and Electronic Equipment Waste, greets all visitors and employees entering BOV Centre in Santa Venera.

It is an interactive interface that shares simple but powerful facts about e-waste. It reminds us that e-waste is the fastest-growing waste stream, and that only 20% of it is properly recycled. It also explains that valuable materials like gold, silver, copper and lithium are hidden inside old devices, thereby increasing the level of waste generated. Roborg is a tangible reminder that what is thrown away can still have value, and that smarter choices start with awareness.

Roborg is just one of the many initiatives that Bank of Valletta is implementing in its efforts to make a tangible positive impact on the environment. In 2025 alone, over 6,800kg of electronic waste was disposed of responsibly through Waste Electric and Electronic Equipment recycling, aligning with its ESG obligations, both internally with employees and externally with its customers.

As part of its Digitalisation programme, with the ultimate aim of reducing paper usage, the Bank’s EPOS machines at retail outlets no longer issue customer receipts automatically with card transactions. In addition, BOV is now requesting digital invoices from its suppliers, electronic signatures via DocuSign on Third-Party Contracts, and issuing digital payslips and FS3s for its employees. These initiatives have already resulted in an estimated annual reduction of 120,000 sheets of paper.

Worth mentioning is the “Bring Your Own Container” initiative undertaken by the Bank’s canteen, which encourages employees to bring reusable containers when purchasing food and beverage items. Charity bins for the collection of BCRS containers have been introduced in every unit, encouraging employees to recycle plastic bottles, with redeemable vouchers donated to animal shelters. This year alone it is estimated that over 62.3kg of recycled waste has been saved from ending up in landfills.

Held every year at the end of November across Europe, the EWWR aims to promote sustainable resource and waste management, whilst raising awareness and encouraging practical actions to reduce, reuse, and recycle waste. The initiatives undertaken by the Bank are a true testament that, beyond commemorating the European Week for Waste Reduction, reducing carbon footprint and caring for the planet are embedded in the Bank’s daily running of its business.