Waste management and circular economy: A review of sustainable practices and economic benefits
1 Independent Researcher, Southampton, UK.
2 Department of Forestry and Environmental Management, Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Nigeria.
3 Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Nigeria.
4 Department of Environmental Health and Safety, Marshall University Huntington West Virginia, USA.
Review Article
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2024, 22(02), 1708–1719
Publication history:
Received on 04 April 2024 revised on 22 May 2024; accepted on 24 May 2024
Abstract:
The increasing global population and rapid urbanization have escalated the generation of waste, posing significant environmental challenges. In response, the adoption of sustainable waste management practices and the promotion of circular economy principles have gained momentum as effective strategies to mitigate environmental impacts and harness economic benefits. This review examines the current state of waste management, focusing on the integration of circular economy principles to create a more sustainable and resilient system. The review begins by exploring contemporary waste management practices, emphasizing the challenges posed by escalating waste volumes, inadequate infrastructure, and the environmental repercussions of traditional disposal methods. It then delves into the concept of the circular economy, elucidating its core principles of reduce, reuse, recycle, and recover. The integration of these principles into waste management strategies is discussed as a transformative approach to minimize resource depletion, energy consumption, and environmental pollution. Furthermore, the economic benefits associated with the adoption of circular economy practices are critically analyzed. The review explores how the shift towards circularity can stimulate innovation, create new business models, and generate employment opportunities. It also highlights the potential for cost savings through resource efficiency, reduced waste disposal expenses, and the creation of secondary markets for recycled materials. Case studies and exemplary initiatives from various sectors and regions are examined to provide insights into successful implementations of sustainable waste management and circular economy practices. The review concludes by outlining key policy implications, emphasizing the importance of regulatory frameworks that incentivize circular practices and foster collaboration between stakeholders. This comprehensive review contributes to the understanding of the interplay between waste management and circular economy principles, offering valuable insights for policymakers, businesses, and researchers seeking to create a more sustainable and economically viable approach to waste management in the face of global environmental challenges.
Keywords:
Waste management; Circular economy; Sustainability; Resource efficiency; Environmental impact; Recycling; Circular practices
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Copyright © 2024 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0