This report offers an in-depth exploration of small-scale e-waste recycling facilities (SSEFs) and their role in building sustainable and inclusive e-waste management systems. Drawing on both primary interviews and global case studies, it provides practical insights into how small and micro enterprises can operate successfully in the e-waste sector, and how informal waste pickers can be effectively integrated into formal recycling value chains.
The report analyses case studies from South Africa, Ghana, Egypt, India, Uganda, and Cambodia, focusing on facility operations, staffing, funding models, and the enabling role of Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs) within the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework. It identifies key success factors and common barriers that shape the viability of small-scale recycling enterprises, offering clear, experience-based recommendations for sustainable operations.
By combining technical, economic, and institutional insights, this publication provides a roadmap for supporting entrepreneurship, inclusivity, and environmental compliance in the WEEE recycling sector. It highlights practical approaches to improving working conditions, strengthening business models, and creating meaningful linkages between formal recyclers and the informal workforce.
Aimed to be particularly valuable for Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs), small and medium e-waste recyclers, policy makers, development cooperation agencies, municipal waste authorities, and NGOs working on inclusive circular economy initiatives, this report also offers actionable lessons for entrepreneurs, investors, and sustainability practitioners seeking to expand small-scale recycling solutions in emerging markets.
