Bridging Waste Management and Circular Economy: Unlocking the Potential of Preparing for Reuse

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Abstract

Preparation for reuse (PfR) occupies the highest priority in the European Union's waste hierarchy, emphasizing the treatment of waste at the product level rather than as mere materials. This approach aligns with circular economy (CE) principles, leveraging the "power of the inner cycles" to minimize resource consumption and environmental impact by prioritizing reuse and repair over recycling and incineration. Despite its potential, PfR faces significant barriers to mainstream adoption in Denmark, largely due to rigid regulations and entrenched systemic “lock-ins” rooted in historical power struggles between public and private sectors in waste management. This paper explores how municipal waste management companies can bridge the gap between CE principles and prevailing waste practices, which still predominantly focus on recycling and incineration. Preliminary studies demonstrate that PfR fosters a more circular approach by reintegrating waste products into the value chain as resources, thereby extending their lifespan and aligning with EU waste hierarchy goals. While these practices highlight potential for collaboration and innovation at the community level, they also reveal ambivalent tensions between traditional waste management systems and circular solutions. Drawing on empirical evidence from Denmark, the study identifies mechanisms to overcome existing barriers and highlights the role of municipal waste management in advancing CE practices. It demonstrates how repair and reuse activities can thrive through redefined PfR priorities, even within a challenging regulatory landscape. This represents a crucial step toward a more sustainable, resource-efficient waste management system, fostering waste prevention and reducing environmental impacts in line with CE objectives.
OriginalsprogEngelsk
Publikationsdato2024
Antal sider1
StatusUdgivet - 2024
Begivenhed14th Internation Conference on Sustainable Waste Management: Circular economy and IPLA Global Forum 2024 - GITAM University, Indien
Varighed: 28 nov. 20241 dec. 2024
https://iconswmce.gitam.edu/

Konference

Konference14th Internation Conference on Sustainable Waste Management
LokationGITAM University
Land/OmrådeIndien
Periode28/11/202401/12/2024
Internetadresse

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