Circular Economy

Last updated: 4 April 2026

Circular Economy is an economic model that keeps products and materials in use for as long as possible through repair, reuse, refurbishment, and recycling.

Last reviewed by Marcus Williams on 23 March 2026

A Circular Economy is an economic model that keeps products and materials in use for as long as possible through repair, reuse, refurbishment, and recycling.

In practice, the circular economy shifts from the linear "take-make-dispose" model to one focused on minimizing waste. This means designing products with longevity and ease of maintenance in mind. Encouraging consumers to keep goods longer rather than replacing them frequently. Companies can extend product life by offering repair services or incentivizing returns for reuse. For electronics, this might involve setting up take-back programs where old devices are collected and either refurbished or stripped down for parts.

According to the World Economic Forum, e-waste is the fastest-growing waste stream globally.

A real-world example of circular economy principles at work is Dell's Closed-Loop Recycling Program. They collect used electronics from customers and recycle the materials to create new products. By doing so, they reduce reliance on virgin resources and decrease landfill waste. Another initiative is Apple's GiveBack program, which incentivizes trade-ins by offering credit towards a new purchase when an old device is handed over.

For consumers and businesses, embracing the circular economy means reducing costs associated with constantly buying new items and minimizing environmental impact. Businesses that adopt circular practices can save on material costs while enhancing their brand reputation for sustainability. Consumers benefit from lower prices on refurbished goods and peace of mind knowing they're contributing to a more sustainable world.

Related concepts in e-waste management include "zero waste" strategies, which aim to eliminate landfill waste entirely by maximizing recycling and reuse rates; and "product-as-a-service," where companies retain ownership of products and charge customers based on usage rather than selling them outright. According to the Global E-Waste Monitor 2020 report, only 17.4% of e-waste generated globally was collected and recycled in a manner that ensured the effective recovery of materials. This statistic highlights the urgent need for more circular practices in electronics management.

According to the Apple Environmental Report 2024, apple recovered over 1 tonne of gold from recycled devices in 2023.

By adopting these principles, stakeholders can help stem the tide of electronic waste while building economic growth through innovative reuse and recycling methods.

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