This study explores the use of protein amyloid nanofibrils (AF) derived from whey, a byproduct of the dairy industry, as a novel adsorbent for gold recovery from electronic waste (e-waste). AF aerogels are prepared and evaluated for their gold adsorption capacity and selectivity over other metals present in e-waste. The results show that AF aerogels have a high gold adsorption capacity (166.7 mg g⁻¹) and excellent selectivity, making them efficient for gold recovery. Additionally, AF aerogels can 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, the process yields high-purity gold nuggets with a purity of approximately 90.8 wt% (21–22 carats). Life cycle assessment and techno-economic analysis of the process demonstrate the environmental and economic viability of using protein nanofibril aerogels from food side-streams for gold recovery from e-waste.This study explores the use of protein amyloid nanofibrils (AF) derived from whey, a byproduct of the dairy industry, as a novel adsorbent for gold recovery from electronic waste (e-waste). AF aerogels are prepared and evaluated for their gold adsorption capacity and selectivity over other metals present in e-waste. The results show that AF aerogels have a high gold adsorption capacity (166.7 mg g⁻¹) and excellent selectivity, making them efficient for gold recovery. Additionally, AF aerogels can 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, the process yields high-purity gold nuggets with a purity of approximately 90.8 wt% (21–22 carats). Life cycle assessment and techno-economic analysis of the process demonstrate the environmental and economic viability of using protein nanofibril aerogels from food side-streams for gold recovery from e-waste.