The number of small-scale businesses within most national economies is generally high, especially in
developing countries. Often these businesses have a weak economic status and limited environmental
awareness. The type and amount of waste produced, and the recycling methods adopted by these businesses
during their operation can have negative effects on the environment. This study investigated the
types of waste generated and the recycling methods adopted in micro-sized enterprises engaged in the
manufacture of furniture. An assessment was also made of whether the characteristics of the enterprise
had any effect on the waste recycling methods that were practised. A survey was conducted of 31 enterprises
in the furniture industry in Gumushane province, Turkey, which is considered a developing economy.
Surveys were undertaken via face-to-face interviews. It was found that medium-density fibreboard
(MDF), and to a lesser extent, chipboard, were used in the manufacture of furniture, and two major types
of waste in the form of fine dust and small fragments of board are generated during the cutting of these
boards. Of the resulting composite board waste, 96.9% was used for heating homes and workplaces,
where it was burnt under conditions of incomplete combustion. Enterprises were found to have adopted
other methods to utilise their wastes in addition to using them as fuel. Such enterprises include those
operating from a basement or first floor of a building in the cities, those continuing production throughout
the year, those in need for capital and those enterprises not operating a dust-collection system.