[ABOUT E-WASTE BUDDIES]
E-Waste Buddies NPC is a youth-led, youth-focused non-profit organisation using e-waste as a tool for both environmental sustainability and social development.
Established in Cape Town, our purpose goes beyond simply collecting unwanted electronics. We believe that the transition towards a circular economy should also create opportunities for the people and communities that need them most.
A key part of our mission is to create employment, training, skills development and practical work experience for young people, with a particular focus on youth from underserved communities.
Our operations are based at Oude Molen Eco-Village in Pinelands, where collected electronic equipment is received, sorted, assessed, dismantled and prepared for reuse, refurbishment or responsible downstream recycling.
Through this approach, we aim to address two challenges at the same time: the growing problem of electronic waste and the need for meaningful economic opportunities for young people.
We believe responsible recycling should create value not only for the environment, but also for the communities around us.
[OUR SOCIAL IMPACT]
E-Waste Buddies was built around the belief that environmental sustainability and social development should work together.
As a youth-led organisation, we understand the importance of creating genuine opportunities for young people to enter the workplace, gain practical experience and develop skills that can contribute to their long-term employability.
We therefore place a strong focus on employing and developing youth from underserved communities, providing opportunities to gain hands-on experience within e-waste management, recycling, refurbishment, dismantling, logistics, administration and other areas of the circular economy.
Through employment, internships, training and community initiatives, we want the value recovered from e-waste to translate into opportunities for people as well as benefits for the environment.
Every collection contributes to something bigger:
[OUR MISSION]
To reduce the environmental impact of electronic waste while creating employment, skills development and economic opportunities for young people, particularly those from underserved communities.
Through responsible collection, reuse, refurbishment and recycling, we aim to contribute to a more inclusive circular economy where both people and resources are given another opportunity.
[OUR VISION]
A future where electronic waste is treated as a resource rather than rubbish, and where the circular economy creates meaningful opportunities for young people and communities across South Africa.
Book a collection, explore our products, or get in touch to learn more about what we do.