This report presents a comprehensive assessment of viable strategies for managing two of the most environmentally challenging components in Egypt’s e-waste stream: lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and plastics containing persistent organic pollutants and brominated flame retardants (POP-BFRs). The study aims to guide the development of sustainable, locally adapted treatment solutions, with a focus on environmental, technical, economic, and regulatory feasibility.
The report identifies and evaluates two main solution pathways for each waste stream: exporting for treatment abroad versus establishing local treatment facilities. For POP-BFRs, both exporting shredded plastics and building a local incineration plant were deemed currently unfeasible due to high financial, regulatory, and operational barriers. Similarly, the analysis of LIB management concluded that while establishing a local pyrometallurgical processing facility is technically possible, the high capital and operational costs render it economically unattractive under current conditions. A more promising alternative involves the semi-processing and export of black mass, which, despite logistical challenges, aligns with existing infrastructure and requires less investment.
In addition to the technical assessment, the report proposes a comprehensive roadmap that includes policy recommendations such as introducing extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes, increasing landfill fees, enforcing stricter regulations, and leveraging public-private partnerships and blended finance mechanisms. By addressing systemic challenges like low collection rates and limited infrastructure, the roadmap seeks to enable a transition toward more sustainable and circular e-waste management practices in Egypt.
