Transition to a Circular Economy in Waste Management: A Review of International Experiences and Approaches

Abstract

The circular economy, as a novel and systematic approach, is considered a response to the environmental and structural inefficiencies of the linear economy. The primary objective of this model is to preserve the value of resources, materials, and products at the highest possible level and for the longest possible duration. Unlike the linear model of "extraction, production, consumption, and disposal," the circular economy, through the design of closed loops, regulates the flow of materials and energy in a way that minimizes waste generation. The various definitions proposed by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, Kirchherr, and Geissdoerfer all emphasize the characteristics of regenerativity, restorability, and the elimination of the concept of end-of-life consumption. In this article, the conceptual and operational dimensions of the circular economy and the waste management hierarchy are examined. The key stages of this hierarchy include prevention, reduction, reuse, recycling, energy recovery, and final disposal. Furthermore, policy frameworks, evaluation indicators, and global implementation challenges—particularly in the Global North and Global South—are analyzed. Ultimately, achieving a circular economy requires the synergy of public policies, technological innovation, cultural education, and cross-sector collaboration. This model outlines a sustainable horizon for the future of the global economy that simultaneously addresses economic growth, social justice, and environmental preservation.