What role for the social enterprises in the circular economy?

In debates about recycling and the circular economy, the role of existing
organizations that already facilitate the circulation of materials through
society can be neglected. Indeed, the social enterprise sector may currently
be more significant than the commercial waste management sector in facilitating the circular economy within Australia. Drawing on interviews with organizations involved in collecting and reprocessing used electronics and scrap metal in Australia, the authors detail some of the synergies and tensions between the social enterprises and commercial organizations that have emerged as recycling gains traction through government policy and various forms of product stewardship. The authors conclude with suggestions for policy and governance approaches most likely to facilitate productive and perhaps symbiotic relationships between the two sectors in the future.