The circular economy in waste management is a transformative approach that aims to minimize waste and make the most of resources. Unlike the traditional linear economy, which follows a ‘take-make-dispose’ model, the circular economy emphasizes reducing, reusing, recycling, and recovering materials to create a closed-loop system. This approach not only mitigates environmental impacts but also conserves resources and reduces energy consumption. By integrating circular economy principles, waste management systems can become more sustainable and resilient, addressing the challenges posed by increasing waste volumes and inadequate infrastructure Aiguobarueghian, 2024.
Economic benefits are a significant driver for adopting circular economy practices in waste management. The shift towards circularity can stimulate innovation, create new business models, and generate employment opportunities. For instance, the Turikale Waste Bank in Maros Regency, Indonesia, demonstrates how community participation in waste management can lead to economic gains, with the system generating substantial monthly turnover Ilham, 2024. Additionally, circular economy practices can lead to cost savings through resource efficiency and reduced waste disposal expenses, further enhancing economic viability Aiguobarueghian, 2024.
However, the implementation of circular economy models in waste management is not without challenges. It requires strong regulatory support, cross-sector collaboration, and active participation from various stakeholders, including governments, industries, and communities Imawati, 2024. Moreover, while circular systems promote sustainability, they are not inherently sustainable unless they also address the flow of non-material resources like water, soil, and energy Avilés-Palacios, 2021. Therefore, a comprehensive approach that includes environmental sustainability indicators, such as the carbon footprint, is essential for the successful implementation of circular economy practices in waste management.
In summary, the circular economy in waste management focuses on creating a closed-loop system that reduces waste and maximizes resource use. It offers significant economic benefits and requires strong regulatory and collaborative efforts for successful implementation. However, it must also address non-material resource flows to ensure true sustainability.
