The document outlines the process and costs required to formally establish a small e-waste recycling business in South Africa. It notes that the minimum start-up costs are approximately R200,000 with minimum monthly operating costs of R40,000. The process takes around 12 months and requires business registration, tax registration, licensing, monitoring, obtaining supplies, premises, tools, and personal protective equipment. While formalizing helps legitimacy, it significantly increases operating expenses for small businesses, making profitability challenging. The document advocates for reforms to licensing requirements and policies around e-waste handling to help small formal recyclers in South Africa.