Her research led her to assess various global systems, from chemical and heat-based treatments to dry processing methods. After a thorough technical evaluation of best practices and technologies around the world, she identified dry, non-chemical processing as the most effective, safe, and economically viable approach for recycling mercury-bearing lamps.

One standout technology was offered by MRT, a Swedish company whose cutting-edge solution was already in use by a female-led recycling company in Italy. Patricia reached out to the team, visited their facility, and began building partnerships that would help shape Reclite SA’s future.

Back then, the Department of Environmental Affairs and Agriculture (now DFFE) had not yet established guidelines for safe lamp recycling. Patricia invited the Director of Hazardous Waste, Dr Dee Fisher, to Italy to observe the MRT technology in action. This visit played a key role in informing South Africa’s own technical baseline for safe lamp recycling.

Soon after, the department confirmed that a dry-based technology would be the approved system for recycling lighting lamps containing mercury in South Africa, a milestone that paved the way for Reclite SA’s licensing journey.

Reclite SA was formally established in 2009. The original plan was to open a dedicated facility in Isando, but due to licensing delays, a co-location arrangement with a granulation partner was pursued as an interim solution. Full environmental impact assessments were conducted, and the licensing process was initiated for the use of MRT technology in South Africa.

Patricia also applied for grant funding from the Swedish government to bring in advanced mercury treatment and distillation technology, allowing for the full recovery and reuse of mercury, including from activated carbon filters. The goal was to ensure that mercury could remain in circular use, even being converted into cinnabar for safe indefinite storage in deep underground mines (this is currently the best methodology for removing mercury from circulation and safe indefinite management).

Although a license for the mercury treatment facility was eventually granted, the process took over two years. By then, new premises were required, and a fresh license application had to be submitted. Unfortunately, due to administrative delays at the ministerial level, the Swedish funding opportunity was lost, and the mercury recovery process from other waste was no longer viable, leaving South Africa with only one facility to provide this service.

Despite these challenges, Reclite SA grew rapidly. Within its first three years, the company expanded from one site to three and played a pivotal role in supporting Philips Lighting, successfully recycling over 600 tons of lighting waste. This achievement laid a strong foundation for lighting waste beneficiation and the creation of new, circular products in South Africa.