This project focuses on using robotics to support the initial two steps of the waste hierarchy: "prevention of waste generation" and "preparation for reuse." Various application areas can be easily identified where robotics and/or automation could solve specific challenges crucial for advancing the circular economy. Technologically, it's evident that employing robotics and automation can achieve a diverse range of tasks vital for speeding up the circular economy. However, when considering business profitability – i.e., who funds and maintains the needed robotic solutions – there are notably fewer answers, if any. This project delves into the business-oriented challenge of using robotics to accelerate the circular economy. Our goal is to demonstrate, through practical research, that a fresh design philosophy can be discovered, along with a scalable operational model. This could lead to increased robotic utilization in underutilized areas and wider adoption of circular economy-supporting robotics. This insight might herald a new era where, alongside reverse vending machines, other types of tireless recycling-supporting robots and automatons become integral to a novel urban community that employs intelligent technologies for a more eco-friendly daily life.