The present article presents the main results of a research project that aimed to establish guidelines onsustainable design for marble and granite products, a non-renewable material. The study was carried outwithin an association of 13 small and medium companies in Brazil. During the investigation it wasidentified a significant lack of literature on these materials which could support the design process,particularly regarding the issue of recycling. The study has unveiled the potential of applying in thissector the ‘‘cascade approach for recycling” where it is anticipated destinations to all possible wastagefor the entire life cycle of a given product.