Bridging the Gap: Implementing Circular Economy in Municipal Waste Management
Bridging the Gap: Implementing Circular Economy in Municipal Waste Management
In the face of global environmental challenges, the shift from a linear "take-make-dispose" model to a Circular Economy (CE) is no longer optional—it is a necessity. A recent study published in Sustainability (2025) takes a deep dive into how the city of Patras, the third-largest city in Greece, is navigating this transition.
What is a Circular Economy in Waste Management?
A circular economy aims to minimize waste generation and reduce material intake by focusing on the 3Rs: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. In the context of Municipal Solid Waste Management (MSWM), this means transforming waste into resources through better collection, recycling, and recovery systems.
Key Findings: How Does Patras Compare?
The study utilized specific CE performance indicators to evaluate the current state of waste management in Patras. The results offer a mixed bag of successes and areas for improvement:
- The Good News: Patras performed better than both the national Greek average and the EU average in terms of total waste generation and food waste generation per capita.
- The Challenges: The city struggled with total waste recycling rates, which were lower than the national average. Specifically, areas like food waste composting and WEEE (electronic waste) recycling were identified as significant weak points.
The Human Factor: Public Opinion Matters
A critical part of the transition to a circular economy is the participation of citizens. A survey of 207 residents in Patras revealed some eye-opening insights:
- Low Adoption of Practices: Most citizens have not yet fully adopted CE practices in their daily waste management routines.
- Age Matters: There is a clear reluctance among older individuals to change their long-standing waste disposal habits.
- Knowledge vs. Action: While many residents are familiar with the term "Circular Economy," their active involvement in reducing waste remains "lukewarm".
- Desire for Incentives: The survey highlighted that reward-based recycling and education in schools are seen as the most effective ways to mobilize the community.
The Path Forward
To reach the ambitious goals set by the EU and Greek national plans, the study suggests that cities like Patras must:
- Improve infrastructure for separate waste streams (like the "blue bin" for recyclables).
- Finalize the construction of biodegradable waste processing plants to minimize landfilling.
- Leverage technology, such as the Sense.City mobile app, to encourage participatory planning and real-time reporting of waste issues.
Conclusion
The transition to a circular economy is a journey, not a destination. While Patras shows promise in reducing overall waste generation, the next hurdle is increasing recycling efficiency and changing public behavior. As urban centers in the Mediterranean continue to grow, these insights provide a vital roadmap for a more sustainable and resilient future.