EWaste Africa is an award-winning recycler of electronic and lighting waste, recognised for its legal compliance and environmentally ethical practices. Since its founding in 2014, the company has grown into one of Southern Africa's most innovative players in the e-waste sector. By working with corporates, producer responsibility organisations, government entities, and environmentally conscious citizens, it helps manage electronic waste in a way that is both sustainable and practical.

Headquartered in Pietermaritzburg, EWaste Africa operates two advanced recycling facilities and manages a network of more than 80 public drop-off points across South Africa. With over 300 corporate clients, it provides an end-to-end service offering that covers on-site storage, collection, transportation, recycling, and the beneficiation of end products.

EWaste Africa is a trusted partner for companies seeking to meet South Africa's e-waste requirements
and align with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and zero-waste-to-landfill goals. The company's approach is firmly rooted in the circular economy model, which transforms discarded materials into valuable resources and reduces reliance on raw extraction.

Pioneering Light Bulb Recycling
A defining achievement in the company's history was the commissioning of Africa's first commercial light bulb recycling plant in Pietermaritzburg. Prior to 2013, the continent lacked both the technology and expertise to recycle this waste stream effectively. The company now operates two hazardous waste management facilities and has already recycled more than 25 million light bulbs.

Responsible Battery Management
With the global rise of clean energy technologies, PV module waste has emerged as one of the most pressing challenges. EWaste Africa has developed a process to recycle the PV modules, recovering any metals and using the bulk of the module (which is mostly glass) in the production of interlocking eco­ pavers. These pavers are certified as green building material with 40% recycled content.
By reducing the demand for virgin resources, EWaste Africa contributes directly to lowering the overall carbon footprint of the energy sector.

Recycling Services
The company's recycling portfolio is extensive. It can process anything that uses a plug or a battery to operate as well as any energy generating equipment. Electronic and electrical equipment, from household appliances to large industrial machinery, is dismantled carefully to reclaim valuable materials. IT and telecommunications equipment is treated with precision to maximise both component recovery and client rebates.

Innovation at the Core
Innovation lies at the heart of EWaste Africa. In partnership with the University of KwaZulu­ Natal and the Technology Innovation Agency, the company developed the LPx= machine, a world-first hydrometallurgical system that recovers rare earth metals and captures mercury with 99.9 per cent diversion from landfill. It also makes use of Balcan Engineering's internationally acclaimed lamp recycling system, which consumes less than 15 kW of energy and ensures that all by-products are reused.

EWaste Africa's innovative methods for handling end-of-life photovoltaic panels earned it first place in the 2024 Circular Innovation Challenge. Further, in March 2024, EWaste Africa signed a memorandum of understanding with UK-based Watercycle Technologies to develop and deploy patented processes for recovering lithium carbonate from spent lithium iron phosphate batteries. This collaboration represents a milestone for ton-scale battery recycling and positions South Africa as a leader in advanced mineral recovery.

Accessibility and Compliance
Recognising the importance of convenience, EWaste Africa has introduced community collection containers
in high-footfall areas such as shopping centres. These enable members of the public to drop off unwanted electronics quickly and without paperwork, creating a low-fuss solution that reduces both hazardous waste and carbon emissions.

Compliance remains central to the company's operations. It aligns with South Africa's National Environmental Management: Waste Act, the National Road Traffic Act, municipal by-laws, and broader health and environmental regulations. With two national hazardous waste management licenses and multiple transport and storage registrations,EWaste Africa offers full legal assurance to its clients. It also collaborates with producer responsibility organisations to facilitate extended producer responsibility compliance for manufacturers, retailers, and distributors.

A Vision Beyond Recycling
EWaste Africa's contribution extends far beyond waste management. Under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Pravashen Naidoo, the company is deeply committed to social impact, particularly through job creation and skills development. South Africa faces high levels of graduate unemployment, with many young people struggling to secure work despite qualifications. EWaste Africa is helping to bridge this gap by offering opportunities in logistics, engineering, environmental science, administration, and business development.

The company invests in training and internships, equipping graduates with the skills needed for the fast-growing green economy.

Building a Circular Future
For businesses, producers, and individuals, EWaste Africa is a partner that simplifies compliance, supports sustainability ambitions, and proves that waste can be transformed into opportunity. By combining innovation, accessibility, and social impact, the company is building a cleaner, greener, and more inclusive future for South Africa and beyond.