Contribution of Municipal Solid Waste to a Circular Economy
摘要
This chapter explores the significant role of municipal solid waste (MSW) in contributing to the circular economy paradigm. With the burgeoning global population and urbanisation, managing MSW has become a pressing concern. The traditional linear “take-make-dispose” approach has led to environmental degradation and resource depletion. However, by integrating MSW management into the circular economy framework, waste can be transformed into valuable resources through reduction, reuse, recycling, and recovery. It examines various strategies and initiatives for optimising MSW management within the circular economy context, highlighting its potential benefits in resource conservation, waste reduction, energy recovery, and economic growth. Moreover, it discusses the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing circular economy principles in MSW management, emphasising the need for policy support, technological innovation, and, most importantly, public awareness. It underscores the importance of reimagining MSW as a valuable resource rather than a disposable burden in advancing the circular economy agenda, empowering the audience and making them feel responsible for the change.