Drones are rapidly becoming routine tools in surveillance, inspection, agriculture, logistics, emergency response, reconnaissance, and warfare (1). The global commercial and military drone markets are projected to reach US$54.6 billion and US$22.8 billion, respectively, by 2030 (2, 3). However, end-of-life governance has not kept pace. In 2022, the world generated 62 million tonnes of e-waste, only 22.3% of which was formally collected and recycled (4). Planning for retired drone management must account for fire, materials recovery, and information-security risks.