Circular Waste Systems for Urban Resilience:

Despite renewed efforts by governments worldwide to promote resiliency and sustainability, rampant pollution and the overexploitation of natural resources continue to fuel the climate crisis threatening our planet. Economically, we remain entrenched in a linear production system. In the global “Linear Economy,” resources are extracted from the environment, processed through various stages of production, used, and ultimately discarded.

In the European Union, 80% of goods are produced with predetermined environmental impacts, yet the linear model of resource extraction, use, and disposal offers little incentive for companies or municipalities to reduce waste (European Commission, 2020).

A promising alternative gaining traction in sustainability circles is the “Circular Economy,” in which waste is repurposed as raw material (European Commission, 2020). While conceptually similar to recycling, the circular economy extends beyond plastics, metals, and paper to include wastewater management, composting, and reusable materials. These components work together to build a more sustainable future.

To realize this vision, circular waste systems must become foundational to the new economy. Governments are increasingly seeking to replace outdated waste disposal methods with innovative techniques that reintegrate materials into the early stages of production.

Given the existential nature of the climate crisis, examining circular waste systems is essential—not only to combat environmental degradation but also to preserve and replenish the Earth’s natural resources. This article explores the harmful consequences of our current linear waste system, particularly its role in environmental contamination and resource depletion. The second half highlights how circular waste systems address these challenges and concludes with specific examples of solutions that embody this sustainable approach to waste management and reduction.