Circular Economy and Municipal Solid Waste Management in China

Abstract

The circular economy is a model for sustainable economic development that places a strong emphasis on the efficient use of energy and resources, waste reuse, and recycling. It entails establishing a mutually supportive relationship between economic expansion and ecological sustainability. Both developed and developing countries are necessitated to undertake such adjustments from a linear model to a circular economy as a result of severe environmental degradation. Despite developed regions successfully implementing the circular economy (CE) principle, transitions for most of developing countries are arduous and require or further investigation. China, the largest developing country, formally declared its intention to build a circular economy in 2002 and has since worked to regulate relevant industries. Its experience can be used as a foundation for other developing nations in approaching CE. Furthermore, municipal solid waste should be taken into account as it is a critical sector for promotion of CE. This paper investigates the current CE in China's municipal solid waste management to provide an integrative overview. It is structured through an overall view of CE and municipal solid waste (MSW), evaluations of current management in the context of three different key aspects of a circular economy, an analysis of the barriers to MSW management in China, and a conclusion with policy proposals.