Circular Economy

An economic system that aims to minimise waste, promote resource efficiency, and ‘close the loop’ of product lifecycles, is fundamental to the EU Cohesion Policy’s vision of integrated sustainable urban development. Cities play a pivotal role in driving the transition from a linear "take-make-dispose" model to a circular economy, promoting the re-use, recycling, and regeneration of resources. By focusing on waste reduction, container recycling, and strategies to reduce trash, cities can significantly cut down their environmental impact. Initiatives like industrial symbiosis and circular material usage are key components in this shift towards a circular economy and sustainability. Moreover, adopting measures to recycle, reduce food waste, and enhance resource efficiency contributes to going circular and unlocking new economic opportunities in sustainable production and responsible consumption. This topic explores strategies and initiatives for cities to reduce waste and pollution while extending the use of products and materials through waste to recycle, waste and recycle, and garbage reduction efforts.