Applying the concept of circular economy to integrated waste management. Case study

Abstract

Circular economy should define the new model for a sustainable environment and sustainable resource utilization. The traditional linear economy no longer supports the demands of an increasing population for new and better products. Reckless consumption threatens the viability of the current “take-make-dispose” model, and a shift in the mentality of both companies and customers is required, supported also by institutional and policy measures. Consumers will shift to users and producers and sellers will become service providers. Long term benefits and opportunities of circular economy outweigh short term costs and threats, and all stakeholders should keep in mind that beyond fulfilling the needs for material consumption, there is a responsibility towards the environment. Design and innovation will play a key role for the transition to circular economy, and waste will no longer be considered as such, but as a valuable resource, while the emphasis will be on reuse, repair, reconditioning and recycling. This paper assesses the potential of applying the concept of circular economy to integrated waste management, by analysing the available statistical data for Romania and European Union regarding waste management. The main improvement measures to apply are the implementation of a collection and sorting system partly funded through extended producer responsibility schemes, charging for waste generation, encouraging recycling, and transforming waste into energy instead of storing it in landfills. As the results show, a slight increase has been recorded for recycling rates in Romania and EU. However, there is place for improvement, and circular economy could represent the solution.