Chapter 4: Zero-waste Approach with Circular Economy Model

The accelerated pace of technological advancement has precipitated an unregulated and subconscious exploitation of resources that were previously perceived as limitless. Concurrently, the intensifying industrialization process has given rise to a plethora of environmental concerns. The sociological and economic consequences of these developments have resulted in a reduction in the availability of natural resources over time. The conjunction of growth and planned obsolescence, which entails the production of greater quantities, the sale of more items, and the utilization of more resources, represents the foundation of the contemporary economic system. This, in turn, gives rise to the deliberate curtailment of product lifespans, the underutilization or unprofitability of repair services, and an increased prevalence of scrap. Furthermore, these activities, undertaken with the objective of sustaining economic growth on a permanent basis, result in the systematic wastage of raw materials and products (Wieser, 2016). The linear economy model is currently employed by approximately 85% of the global population, resulting in a significant burden on future generations (European Commission, 2015). In light of these considerations, businesses are undergoing a transition from the linear economic approach to the circular economy model. The circular economy model is defined by the flexible utilization and recycling of resources, which are subsequently repurposed after the conclusion of their use in products and remain perpetually available (Silva et al., 2021). This situation highlights the crucial importance of waste management and draws attention to the strategic significance of the process. It is therefore evident that the monitoring and evaluation of waste management methods and zero-waste strategies within the context of the circular economy model represents a crucial element in the attainment of sustainable development goals. In particular, the zero-waste approach, which aims to optimize the utilization of resources, prevent waste, effectively manage waste collection systems, minimize the quantity of waste and efficiently recycle the waste generated, plays a pivotal role in the realization of the circular system.