A circular economy is different from the linear model, which extracts resources in the form of materials. It is about creating goods and then, once used, throwing them away after the final act. Therefore, it is very important to waste efficiency and resource reduction.
Such an approach aims to keep resources in use for as long as possible by recycling, repairing, refurbishing, and reusing. The cycle starts again thus minimizing the need to extract raw materials and reducing environmental impact.
The Effects of Urban Waste
Cities are major contributors to global waste, generating solid waste, greenhouse gases, and air pollution. Such waste projections have consequences for the environment. Furthermore, this waste burden affects public health, the beauty of cities, and city budgets.
Urban areas have a critical problem with landfills. The growing waste creates methane emissions, a powerful greenhouse gas responsible for climate change. Decomposing waste produces leachate, a hazardous liquid that can infiltrate soil and groundwater, leading to ecosystem contamination and health issues.
Even small litter-such as gum wrappers or cigarette butts-sends a signal the areas are uninviting and unsafe. This is bad for the community, for tourism, and for local businesses.
Cleaning up litter from the streets, parks, and waterways takes time and money that could otherwise be spent on more important things like education, infrastructure, or public health.
Implementation of Circular Economy Principles
One of the keys to a successful circular economy is designing products with longer lifespans, as well as easy repair or upgrade possibilities. A change in manufacturing practices is necessary for this approach—shifting from planned obsolescence to quality and sustainability in production. Durable goods will be replaced less often, thus reducing waste generation at the source. For example, easily upgradable electronics or modular furniture can extend product lifespans, reducing the need for constant production and, with it, waste.
Recycling is a basic principle of the circular economy, which requires that resources be returned and integrated back into production cycles. Strong recycling initiatives in cities will motivate citizens and businesses to do more. Promoting awareness in communities about the benefits of recycling and the proper ways to sort waste can increase recycling rates. Upcycling, a concept that goes beyond traditional recycling, is the creative reuse of materials. This means that something no longer wanted or used is turned into something new and functional, thus creating value from waste. Communities can help local upcycling initiatives or artists who work with waste materials to create new and interesting products.
By repairing and maintaining products, we can avoid waste. Supporting the repair of consumer goods can greatly help in reducing the amount of waste created. Cities can create or promote repair cafes or workshops, where locals repair broken household items, such as electronics and clothes. If we have a culture of repair, products would last longer, new items would be needed less, and people would come together to share skills and knowledge, thus creating a sense of community.
Resource recovery centers stop waste by gathering and processing materials that are still valuable. They can accept a range of items (electronics, furniture, etc.) and separate them into valuable parts for recycling or refurbishment. Establishing such centers in urban areas creates convenient drop-off points for residents, thus reducing litter while encouraging resource recovery.
It is crucial to change consumer behavior to promote conscious and sustainable choices in relation to urban waste. Supporting things like the sharing economy, where people can lend and borrow items rather than buy them, will help reduce overconsumption and, consequently, waste. Cities can promote initiatives that support local businesses practicing sustainability, motivating urban dwellers to shop for goods in an eco-friendly manner.
Benefits of a Circular Economy for Urban Waste
Cities can shrink their environmental footprint by preventing waste first in the circular economy. Less waste means fewer emissions from landfills and less resource extraction, which in turn helps fight climate change, reduces pollution and protects natural ecosystems.
Moving to a circular economy also presents a number of new economic opportunities, from new business models to new jobs. Urban jobs could be created in areas such as the repair of broken items, the operation of recycling centers, and the crafting of new items from old ones (upcycling).
Take pride in your outdoors. Well-maintained and beautiful public areas will positively impact community well-being. Cities can improve the health of their residents and visitors and consequently their quality of life by reducing litter.
Cities that practice circular economy principles can save remarkably in their budgets. The money saved from waste management and resource acquisition alone could be used to fund essential public services.
By depending less on new resources and more on the recovery of resources, cities will be more resilient to changes in the availability and cost of resources: There will always be some materials available, even if at times of scarcity.
Examples of Circular Economy Initiatives in Real Live
Amsterdam has projects focused first and foremost on reducing waste, recycling, and recovering resources. Aspects of circular construction, such as reusing building materials, have become cornerstones of the city’s construction practices. The “Circular Innovation Lab” in Amsterdam brings some local companies and startups together to forge new circularity solutions, from clothing-recycling initiatives to waste-to-energy projects.
San Francisco is committed through a comprehensive waste management initiative to achieving zero waste by 2020. Major aspects of the initiative include prevention, recycling, and partnership with the industry. Under this scheme, the city’s refuse collection program “Fantastic Three,” which sorts waste into recyclables, compostables, and materials for landfill, has generated a significant drop in the tonnage directed to the landfill.
Due to the high population density and limited space for waste disposal, Tokyo has circular waste management practices. For instance, the “Tokyo Super Eco Town” project in the city features recycling plants that transform different types of waste into new materials usable in the city, thus promoting sustainability within it. Moreover, some of the innovative waste-to-energy plants in Tokyo take waste and turn it into a resource of great value—namely, energy, which the city requires—while at the same time reducing garbage.