Albion’s ABC’s of Waste Management – C

C – Circular Economy

The circular economy is an alternative to the traditional economic model whereby we produce goods, use them and then dispose of them. Currently, we tend to regularly update our technologies such as smartphones, tablets and computers. However, in the linear economy these are thrown away and are not designed to be re used.

On the other hand, the circular economy would extract maximum value from these products and materials. For example, a smartphone would be designed so it would be easily repairable and upgradable thus prolonging the device’s usefulness. Also, at the end of its useful life we would be able reuse the phone’s components and raw materials. These could be used in a new device or made into a new product.

Vector illustration of circular economy showing product and material flow. Product life cycle. Sky meadow nature blurry background. Natural resources are taken to manufacturing. After usage product is recycled or dumped. Waste recycling management concept.

A circular economy also offers several economic benefits, for example the creation of new jobs and demand for new skills. Expansion of the circular economy has potential to address unemployment and skill gaps and create up to 200,000 jobs. For more details please follow the link to Zero Waste Scotland Website

http://www.zerowastescotland.org.uk/content/what-circular-economy-0