Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are uniquely positioned to address the growing e-waste crisis by adopting circular economy practices. Research from around the world shows that when SMEs receive targeted circular economy education, they are more likely to re-use, repair and recycle. This not only reduces environmental harm but also improves business opportunities and supply chain resilience. Education supported by policy and training initiatives can empower SMEs to become leaders in sustainable e-waste management.
Electronic waste (or ‘e-waste’) is one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the world, posing significant environmental and health risks. In 2022, an estimated 62 million tons of e-waste was produced globally. The amount of e-waste produced each year is increasing by around 2.6 million tons. At the current trajectory, there will be 82 million tons of waste produced in 2030—a 32% increase compared with 2022 levels. Worse still, global e-waste generation is five times the current e-waste recycling rate. The rapid advancement of technology like smartphones and laptops has led to an alarming accumulation of obsolete electronic products, exacerbating environmental and health risks.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a crucial role in addressing this crisis. As well as accounting for approximately 90% of enterprises worldwide and provide 50% of global employment, SMEs also have the ability to be important agents of change by adopting circular economy practices. They are involved in multiple stages of the electronics value chain, including manufacturing, repair, distribution, refurbishment, and recycling. As both contributors to, and potential mitigators of, e-waste SMEs could mitigate their environmental impact while enhancing resource efficiency and competitiveness by embracing circular economy principles.
Circular economy education: a potential solution for SMEs
The circular economy offers a clear pathway for SMEs to reduce the impact of e-waste. By prioritizing waste prevention and product life extension, and focusing on re-using, repairing, and recycling materials, smaller-scale firms can make a big difference. Indeed, studies from Europe, East Asia, and Australia show that SMEs that receive structured circular economy training are more likely to adopt take-back schemes, repair services, and secondary material use. As well as helping the environment, these practices have also been linked to lower material costs, reduced waste disposal expenses, and new revenue streams.
By integrating circular economy management into vocational education and training (VET) programs tailored towards SMEs, businesses can gain the necessary knowledge and tools to thrive in a resource-constrained world. Research from the European Union’s Circular Economy Action Plan indicates that SME-focused training programs improved the understanding of product design for disassembly, safe handling of hazardous materials, and compliance with e-waste regulations.
Evidence from policy and training initiatives
Several countries provide useful examples of how education and policy support have shaped SME engagement in e-waste management. In Japan, for example, long-standing producer responsibility schemes are complemented by continuous training for firms involved in collection and recycling, leading to high recovery rates of valuable materials.
In developing and emerging economies, evidence from India, Ghana, and Vietnam shows that education programs targeting informal and formal SMEs have improved safe recycling practices and reduced health risks. Training initiatives supported by international organizations have helped SMEs move away from open burning and unsafe dismantling towards more controlled and resource-efficient methods of waste management.
Addressing emerging and complex e-waste streams
While much attention has focused on large electronic equipment, research highlights growing challenges related to small devices such as toys, tools, and household appliances. These items are harder to collect and recycle due to their size and material complexity. Education initiatives that target SMEs and consumers have been shown to improve awareness of these issues and increase participation in proper disposal and take-back schemes.
At the same time, the rapid expansion of renewable energy and electric mobility is creating new e-waste streams, including solar panels, wind turbine components, and electric vehicle batteries. Studies from the International Renewable Energy Agency indicate that SMEs trained in circular strategies such as component recovery and second-life applications are better prepared to manage these emerging waste flows responsibly.
Strengthening supply chains and market competitiveness
Recent global supply chain disruptions, including restrictions on critical raw materials, have highlighted the risks of relying on virgin resources. Research shows that SMEs trained in circular strategies, such as component reuse and local material recovery, are better able to manage these risks. Education initiatives that focus on these aspects have helped SMEs reduce their dependence on imported raw materials while supporting local recycling markets.
Circular economy education also supports Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategies. Evidence from Australia and Europe shows that SMEs engaged in ethical recycling and refurbishment services have improved brand reputation as well as customer trust. Education enables these businesses to communicate their environmental performance clearly and credibly, strengthening their position in increasingly sustainability-conscious markets.
The global evidence is clear. Education can act as an enabler of circular economy adoption among SMEs when it comes to e-waste. Governments, industry associations, and academic institutions should work together to scale up accessible and practical training programs. Digital platforms, modular courses, and certification schemes can then help reach SMEs with limited time and resources. Financial incentives, when combined with education, could further increase adoption and long-term impact.
Circular economy education for SMEs is a strategic investment that could support environmental protection, economic resilience and social responsibility. By strengthening their knowledge and skills today, SMEs can become important players in building a more sustainable and resource-efficient world.