We believe electronics can work for longer and that repair, reuse and recycle should be easy for everyone.

One Circle is an initiative supporting the circular transition of the electronics value chain in Egypt. Our aim is to help citizens and businesses contribute reducing the extraction of raw materials, electronic waste and emissions, for both environmental and economic benefits.

We are a group of partners from the private sector, government, and NGOs. Co-funded by the European Union and the Government of Finland, we are part of UNIDO’s Switch to CE program.

Electronic waste is a global challenge

Why focus on electronics?

Electronics and ICT equipment are among the sectors that use the most resources, alongside plastic and textile value chains, and where the potential for circularity is high.

As our digital society expands and the number of electronic devices increases, electrical and electronic equipment continues to be one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally, with an estimated 62 billion kg of e-waste generated worldwide*.

Egypt generated 690 million kilograms of e-waste in 2022, the highest volume in Africa

Egypt is a major player in Africa’s electronics and ICT equipment market in terms of GDP and job creation. However, it faces waste management challenges. Producing 20% of Africa’s e-waste annually but recycling less than 5%, Egypt’s 690 million kilograms of e-waste poses serious environmental and health risks*. *Source: The global E-waste Monitor 2024

Better recycling of electronic waste avoids the extraction of raw materials, including rare raw materials

Did you know?

An average smartphone contains over 50 different materials, including approximately 29% plastic, 16% ceramics, 15% copper and its compounds, 10% silicon plastics, and 10% other metals*. *Source: Strategy Paper for Circular Economy: Mobile devices

Extending device life means limiting carbon footprint

80% of a smartphone’s climate impact is from the production stage and its components, mainly due to the over extraction of raw materials from the earth. *Source: Strategy Paper for Circular Economy: Mobile devices

What is a circular economy?

Unlike the traditional linear economic model based on a ‘take-make-consume-throw away’ pattern, a circular economy focuses on extending the lifecycle of materials and products through maintenance, reuse, refurbishment, remanufacturing, and recycling.

It aims to reduce waste, combat climate change, and address global challenges like biodiversity loss and pollution.

We believe electronics can work for longer and that repair, reuse and recycle should be easy for everyone.

We are a group of partners from the private sector, government, and NGOs. Co-funded by the European Union and the Government of Finland, we are part of UNIDO’s Switch to CE program.

Electronic waste is a global challenge

Why focus on electronics?

Egypt generated 690 million kilograms of e-waste in 2022, the highest volume in Africa

Better recycling of electronic waste avoids the extraction of raw materials, including rare raw materials

Did you know?

Extending device life means limiting carbon footprint

What is a circular economy?

Your old tech can do more.

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