Circular Economy and Waste Management in Developing Countries:

What is it about?

Many developing countries struggle with managing waste effectively, leading to pollution and environmental damage. One promising solution is the circular economy, which focuses on reducing, reusing, and recycling waste instead of simply throwing it away. This study reviews 26 research papers to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of applying circular economy principles in waste management. The findings show that while a circular economy can reduce pollution, save resources, and create economic opportunities, challenges such as high costs, lack of policies, and limited public awareness remain. The study highlights the need for better policies, investments, and public participation to make circular economy-based waste management successful in developing countries.

Featured Image

Photo by Nareeta Martin on Unsplash

Photo by Nareeta Martin on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This study is timely as waste management challenges grow alongside rapid urbanization in developing countries. Unlike previous research, it systematically reviews 26 studies to assess the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of applying circular economy principles to waste management. By highlighting both the benefits—such as resource efficiency and pollution reduction—and the barriers, including high costs and weak policies, this research provides a balanced, data-driven perspective. Its insights can guide policymakers, businesses, and communities toward more sustainable waste management strategies, making it a valuable resource for those seeking practical, scalable solutions to environmental and economic challenges.

Perspectives

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As a researcher, I find this study particularly meaningful because it bridges the gap between theory and real-world application in waste management. The circular economy has been widely discussed, but its practical implementation in developing countries remains challenging. This research not only highlights the benefits but also sheds light on the obstacles—such as weak policies and financial barriers—that must be addressed for successful adoption. I believe this work can inspire policymakers, businesses, and communities to rethink waste as a resource, fostering more sustainable practices. My hope is that it encourages action toward a cleaner, more efficient waste management system.

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