Frequently Asked Questions
About One Circle
The overall goal of the One Circle initiative is to strengthen and expand circular economy practices within Egypt’s ICT value chain, contributing to sustainable and inclusive economic development. The main objective is to develop the refurbishment, recertification, and recycling value chain, offering innovative solutions for importing mobile devices and network and IT equipment. Additionally, the initiative aims to create new business opportunities for the collection, refurbishment, and reuse of devices and equipment at affordable prices and with warranties.
The project targets the entire ICT value chain, including local distributors, telecom vendors, manufacturers, operators, the formal and informal sectors, individuals, and SMEs involved in recycling, refurbishment, and e-waste management. It aims to support the infrastructure, technical, marketing, and capacity-building needs of these stakeholders.
We cover a range of ICT equipment, including:
- Computers, laptops, and peripherals (keyboards, mice, printers).
- Phones and communication tools.
- Consumer electronics (cameras, consoles, monitors).
- Network components (routers, circuits, storage units)
To become a partner in the One Circle initiative, you can express your interest by emailing us. We welcome collaborations with a variety of stakeholders, including government bodies, industry associations, technology companies, research institutes, and NGOs. Collaboration opportunities include joint initiatives, knowledge sharing, research partnerships, capacity-building programs, and participation in events and workshops.
Let’s team up! Email us at info@onecircle-eg.com to explore collaboration opportunities in knowledge sharing, joint initiatives, and more.
Understanding e-waste and circular economy
E-waste refers to discarded electronics like computers, phones, and TVs that may contain hazardous materials harmful to the environment.
- Recycling: Breaking items down into raw materials for new products (e.g., melting plastic for reuse).
- Reuse: Using items as they are, without altering their form (e.g., using jars for storage).
- Refurbishing: Repairing or upgrading items to extend their life (e.g., fixing a laptop).
Recycling e-waste has considerable environmental and societal benefits:
- Reducing pollution
Prevents toxic substances (e.g., mercury, lead, cadmium) in electronics from leaking into soil and water, safeguarding human health. - Conserving natural resources
Extracts reusable metals (gold, silver, copper) instead of mining new materials, preserving resources for future generations. - Lowering carbon emissions
Manufacturing from recycled materials uses less energy than raw materials, reducing carbon emissions. - Supporting the circular economy
Initiatives like One Circle promote Egypt’s circular economy by reusing materials instead of discarding them. - Protecting human health
Minimizes risks from toxic e-waste gases and improper disposal.
Non-biodegradable waste doesn’t “disappear.” If not recycled:
- It piles up in landfills or oceans.
- Plastics release toxins and harm wildlife.
- Metals and glass waste resources and energy.
Solution
Recycling transforms non-biodegradable materials into new products, reducing the need to extract raw materials and minimizing environmental harm.
How recycling works
Here’s how we handle e-waste:
- Collection: Devices like phones, computers, and chargers are gathered and sorted.
- Data Erasure: Personal data is securely wiped.
- Disassembly: Components are separated for recycling or safe disposal.
- Processing: Materials like metals, plastics, and glass are recycled for new use.
Steps to erase data from electronics before recycling:
- Backup your data
Transfer important files (photos, documents) to an external hard drive, a new device, or cloud storage like Google Drive or iCloud.
- Sign out of accounts
Log out of all accounts, including iCloud (Apple devices) or Google (Android devices), and disable features like ‘Find My iPhone.’
- Erase data
Reset the device to factory settings to erase all data. On smartphones, navigate to settings and choose the factory reset option.
For computers, use the built-in recovery tools (e.g., ‘Reset this PC’ for Windows or ‘Erase all Content and Settings’ for macOS).
For older Windows versions (before 8.1), consider using secure deletion software like Eraser.
- Remove SIM and memory cards
Take out any SIM cards or memory cards from the device before recycling.
As a trusted collection entity, we are committed to ensuring the secure handling of your data during the recycling process, giving you peace of mind that your information is safe.
Phones, computers, motherboards, batteries, chargers, screens, hard drives, SIM cards.
Note: Some materials (e.g., batteries) require special handling, which One Circle ensures.
- Metals: Silver, copper, aluminum.
- Plastic: External casings, keyboards.
- Glass: Screens, hard drives.
- Circuits: Precious metals.
- Batteries: Rechargeable batteries.
- Wires/Cables: Copper.
Practical tips
- Extend device lifespan through regular maintenance and repairs.
- Donate unwanted old devices to recycling initiatives like One Circle.
- Deliver damaged devices to specialized recycling centers.
- Participate in manufacturer trade-in programs for old devices.
Recycled materials are transformed into:
- Metals for new electronics.
- Glass for screens.
- Plastic for various products.
Locate the nearest drop-off point via the One Circle website [here].
Risks of e-waste
Non-biodegradable waste refers to materials that cannot naturally decompose (break down) into harmless substances through natural processes like bacteria, fungi, or sunlight. These materials persist in the environment for hundreds or even thousands of years, causing pollution and harming ecosystems if not managed properly.
Examples & why they’re non-biodegradable:
- Plastics
- Made from petroleum-based polymers.
- Take 500–1,000 years to break down into microplastics, which still pollute soil and water.
- Metals (e.g., aluminum, steel)
- Do not decompose but may corrode (rust) over time.
- Mining new metals harms the environment, so recycling is key.
- Glass
- Made from sand, soda ash, and limestone.
- Does not decompose but can be infinitely recycled without losing quality.
Opportunities in recycling
Recycling contributes to job creation in several ways:
- Collection and Sorting – Jobs are created for collecting, transporting, and sorting recyclable materials like plastics, metals, and glass.
- Processing and Manufacturing – Recycling facilities employ workers to process materials and manufacture new products from recycled resources.
- Innovation and Technology –The growing recycling industry drives demand for skilled workers in areas like waste management technology, robotics, and material science.
- Repair and Refurbishment – Repairing and refurbishing electronics or other reusable items creates jobs in maintenance and resale markets.
- Awareness and Education – Campaigns and programs to promote recycling also generate roles in education, outreach, and community engagement.
