Tunisian startup tackles E-waste crisis

Tunisian entrepreneur Sabri Cheriha is addressing the country’s growing electronic waste problem through his startup, WeFix, AFP reports. Offering collection, repair, and recycling services, WeFix reduces e-waste while making refurbished appliances up to 60% cheaper in a country where the average salary is $310 per month. 

Tunisia generates 140,000 tonnes of e-waste annually but lacks an official recycling system for households. Cheriha’s initiative, which won a regional social entrepreneur award, prevented 80 tonnes of waste in 2023 and aims to process 120 tonnes this year. Highlighting the environmental benefits, he points out that manufacturing a washing machine requires over a tonne of raw materials.

Experts argue Tunisia should enforce manufacturer take-back policies and encourage recycling firms to extract valuable materials. Despite challenges like skilled labor shortages and high emigration, Cheriha is committed to scaling sustainable e-waste solutions and plans to expand WeFix to neighboring Morocco.