Preliminary studies were performed to demonstrate a 'value from waste' concept for recovering polyphenols from waste Tamarindus indica L. by solvent extraction assisted by microwaves and/or ultrasound. To aid formulation of process guidelines, the influence of precursor size, microwave power, ultrasonication intensity and time were investigated. It was found that extract from tamarind shells contained (-)-epicatechin although the seed coat allowed for higher extraction. An optimum extract yield of 62.35 mg and 60.45 mg (per 100 g of dry solid) were obtained for microwave (180 W) and ultrasonication (intensity: 40%) pre-treatment of tamarind seeds of 0.2 mm size using ethanol. © 2017 Elsevier Ltd.