Abstract Recycling processes are complex for people, and elements such as regulation variations or waste conditions affect the decision. In the business context, companies take responsibility for the final waste management. Therefore, they invest resources in training their employees in recycling and implementing manual waste separation at their internal collection centres. A context-aware decision support system that aids the waste-disposal decision-making process at companies can support people’s recycling learning process. However, a deep knowledge of the variables involved in the waste disposal process is needed, including understanding the most common mistakes, the recycling training processes, among others. This research includes the analysis of the waste-separation processes at six Colombian companies, including interviews with managers, waste-separation operators, and employees. Grounded theory was implemented to identify and select the variables affecting the recycling process, allowing the definition of the common requirements. These are the inputs for developing an intelligent system that aims to support decision-making. In this article, a solution concept is proposed. It can be argued that implementing these solutions can help companies achieve their sustainability goals, influencing people’s environmental behaviour and enhancing a circular economy.