ADVANCING URBAN SUSTAINABILITY: A CIRCULAR ECONOMY APPROACH TO SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

Abstract

The rapid urbanization of cities has led to an escalating solid waste management crisis, necessitating the adoption of sustainable and innovative strategies. This study proposes a circular economy (CE) framework to address the challenges of urban waste management through automated waste sorting, community recycling programs, and bioenergy production from organic waste. A comprehensive methodology involving waste audits, CE model implementation, and performance evaluation was conducted in a densely populated urban area. The results demonstrate a significant reduction in landfill usage (35%) and an increase in material recovery rates, particularly for plastics, metals, and organic waste. The study further reveals a substantial increase in bioenergy production, with a monthly output of 9,500 cubic meters of biogas and 6,800 kg of compost. These outcomes highlight the effectiveness of the CE model in improving urban sustainability by reducing waste sent to landfills, enhancing resource recovery, and generating renewable energy. The findings provide a scalable solution for cities seeking to transition towards a circular economy and sustainable waste management practices.