Municipalities are seeking to reduce waste generation and increase recycling rates in order to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Materials that evade recycling are typically landfilled or incinerated.

This study compares cost effectiveness between sorting of mixed waste leftover after separate collection (leftover mixed waste sorting) and the capture of CO₂ from incinerator flue gas for underground storage (carbon capture and storage, CCS).

It has found that the most cost-effective way of delivering system-wide reductions in CO₂ emissions is the sorting system. The least cost-effective means to reduce CO₂ is CCS. Combining the two would achieve the greatest overall reduction and reduce the average cost of reduction to around half the cost of achieving reduction through CCS alone.

The SMART CIRCUIT project is designed to accelerate the adoption of digital and technological solutions in the circular economy, particularly in Central Europe's manufacturing ecosystem. It focuses on capacity building and knowledge sharing, enhancing regional and transnational cooperation, focusing on key value chains, promotion of circular economy strategies, and implementation of practical solutions.

The project showcases success stories from across Europe, emphasising the practical application of circular economy principles in various industries. They demonstrate innovative solutions to challenges in recycling, resource efficiency and sustainable manufacturing processes.

This brochure sets out 122 success stories from nine countries (AT, CZ, DE, HU, HR, IT, PL, SK, SI).
 

Since 2019, Circle Economy Foundation's Circularity Gap Reports have been providing analysis and theory on the global state of circularity. According to the Circularity Gap Report 2024, the circular economy is becoming more popular but failing to deliver.

The 2024 report lays out a roadmap for ambitious change to unlock capital, roll out bold policies and close the skills gap.

The circular economy is now extremely well known: the volume of discussions, debates and articles on it has almost tripled over the past five years. Unfortunately, the rate of global circularity is falling. The share of secondary materials consumed by the global economy actually decreased from 9.1% in 2018 to 7.2% in 2023 - a 21% drop in five years.

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