Closing the Loop on E-Waste through Recovery, Repair, and Reuse
Description
The Recover, Refurbish, and Reuse (RRR) project, led by Doko Recyclers with support from PREVENT Waste Alliance, GIZ, and EPRON, piloted a circular model for e-waste management in Nepal. It combined inclusive e-waste collection, device refurbishment, and community redistribution to divert over 18,000 kg of electronics from landfills. The project also trained youth technicians and raised public awareness, promoting green jobs and digital inclusion.
Impact
18,000
Prevented over 18,000 kg of e-waste from reaching landfills or being processed through hazardous informal methods.
206
Distributed 206 refurbished devices to under-resourced communities, enhancing digital access, especially in rural schools.
14
Trained 14 young technicians in electronics repair, building local capacity and creating employment opportunities in the green sector.
Project was implemented by Doko Recyclers with support from PREVENT Waste Alliance, GIZ, and EPRON. It aimed to tackle the growing problem of electronic waste in Nepal by piloting a circular economy approach focused on responsible e-waste collection, repair, and redistribution. As part of the initiative, Doko Recyclers established an e-waste collection system that engaged households, schools, banks, corporate offices, and local municipalities. Through these partnerships, over 18,000 kilograms of e-waste—including used laptops, desktops, mobile phones, and other devices—were collected for further processing.
A key feature of the project was the establishment of a dedicated refurbishment lab. This facility enabled the repair and restoration of electronic devices, particularly laptops and desktops. In total, 206 devices were successfully refurbished, tested, and made suitable for reuse. These refurbished devices were then redistributed to underserved communities and educational institutions in collaboration with local NGOs. The reuse component of the project directly supported students, teachers, and schools that previously lacked access to digital tools.
In addition to technical interventions, the project also focused on skill development by training 14 youth technicians. These individuals received hands-on training in electronics repair, contributing to the creation of green jobs and promoting sustainable employment opportunities. Public awareness was another important element of the project. Through outreach efforts in schools, colleges, businesses, and community spaces, over 8,000 individuals were educated on the importance of safe e-waste handling and the environmental and health hazards associated with improper disposal. The project’s design promoted a complete circular loop—from recovery to refurbishment and reuse—offering a practical example of how e-waste can be managed sustainably in Nepal.
