This study presents a novel method for recovering gold from e-waste using protein amyloid nanofibrils (AF) derived from whey, a byproduct of the dairy industry. The AF aerogels exhibit high gold adsorption capacity (166.7 mg g⁻¹) and selectivity over other metals, making them efficient for gold recovery. The AF aerogels can also convert gold ions into single crystalline flakes due to Au growth along the (111) plane. When used to recover gold from e-waste solutions obtained by dissolving computer motherboards in suitable solvents, the process yields high-purity gold nuggets, comprising approximately 90.8 wt% gold (21–22 carats), with trace amounts of other metals. Life cycle assessment and techno-economic analysis confirm the environmental and economic viability of using AF aerogels for gold recovery from e-waste. The AF aerogels are produced by denaturation and self-assembly of whey protein under acidic conditions and high temperatures. The resulting AF aerogels are lightweight, porous, and mechanically stable. The study demonstrates that AF aerogels can selectively adsorb gold from metal mixtures, with high removal efficiency (93.3%) and adsorption capacity. The adsorption process is influenced by factors such as pH, metal concentration, and solution composition. The AF aerogels can also convert gold ions into gold nanoparticles and elemental single crystalline flakes. The study also shows that AF aerogels can be used to recover gold from e-waste solutions, resulting in high-purity gold nuggets. The life cycle assessment and techno-economic analysis confirm the environmental and economic benefits of using AF aerogels for gold recovery from e-waste. The study highlights the potential of AF aerogels as an environmentally friendly and economically viable approach for gold recovery from e-waste.This study presents a novel method for recovering gold from e-waste using protein amyloid nanofibrils (AF) derived from whey, a byproduct of the dairy industry. The AF aerogels exhibit high gold adsorption capacity (166.7 mg g⁻¹) and selectivity over other metals, making them efficient for gold recovery. The AF aerogels can also convert gold ions into single crystalline flakes due to Au growth along the (111) plane. When used to recover gold from e-waste solutions obtained by dissolving computer motherboards in suitable solvents, the process yields high-purity gold nuggets, comprising approximately 90.8 wt% gold (21–22 carats), with trace amounts of other metals. Life cycle assessment and techno-economic analysis confirm the environmental and economic viability of using AF aerogels for gold recovery from e-waste. The AF aerogels are produced by denaturation and self-assembly of whey protein under acidic conditions and high temperatures. The resulting AF aerogels are lightweight, porous, and mechanically stable. The study demonstrates that AF aerogels can selectively adsorb gold from metal mixtures, with high removal efficiency (93.3%) and adsorption capacity. The adsorption process is influenced by factors such as pH, metal concentration, and solution composition. The AF aerogels can also convert gold ions into gold nanoparticles and elemental single crystalline flakes. The study also shows that AF aerogels can be used to recover gold from e-waste solutions, resulting in high-purity gold nuggets. The life cycle assessment and techno-economic analysis confirm the environmental and economic benefits of using AF aerogels for gold recovery from e-waste. The study highlights the potential of AF aerogels as an environmentally friendly and economically viable approach for gold recovery from e-waste.