How Local Councils can move towards a Circular Economy

Climate concerns affect all areas of society. Yet without the knowledge, support and services available, it is difficult for individuals and businesses to make sustainable swaps and tackle wasteful practices. To combat this, local councils can implement an infrastructure that rejects the traditional wasteful consumption model, and introduce a more sustainable circular economy. 

From increasing education around recycling, to support for businesses and their waste management, and tackling the hugely wasteful construction industry, this article will outline how local (and national) governments can move towards a circular economy. By adopting Circular Economy services, local governments can meet their sustainability goals, and help deliver the UK’s ambitious target reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by the end of the decade.

What is a circular economy? 

A ‘circular economy’ disrupts the ‘linear’ lifecycle of resources. The typical cycle follows a take-make-waste model, in which resources are often used and abused, before being discarded with little thought to the impact this has on our planet. 

In contrast, a circular economy is designed to benefit businesses, society, and the environment. Finding more efficient and effective manufacturing processes, reusing and, perhaps most importantly, recycling materials means that the lifecycle extends, so less resources are needed which leads to less waste. 

Many factors can contribute to creating a circular economy. Decisions made by individuals, as consumers, can affect demand for goods or services, and in turn influence businesses to adopt green practices. 

Businesses can make a much bigger impact. By refining supply chains, manufacturing processes, considering how consumers could dispose of an item and managing waste disposal, businesses can contribute towards a local circular economy. 

This is how local councils can help. In order for local businesses and consumers to make better choices, a strong infrastructure is needed. Local councils can implement systems that enable their community, from individuals to businesses, to contribute to a circular economy.

How can local councils create a circular economy?

Make recycling easier 

‘Reduce, reuse, recycle’ may be part of common vernacular, and while these are important and should be continued, local councils can make recycling easier for their community. The UK government aimed for the UK to recycle 50% of all household waste in 2020. This was narrowly missed, with a third of English councils actually seeing a decline in recycling rates. 

This might be because recycling can get confusing, and materials being mixed result in entire recycling containers being sent to landfill. Clear directions shared with citizens, directions to local recycling centres and regular recycling disposal services with a trusted company could combat this. 

Encouraging the community involved in recycling will negate a more positive and proactive attitude. Offering more opportunities to recycle and make recycling services more easily available could result in the UK meeting recycling goals and contribute to a circular economy by reducing unnecessary waste and strain on resources. 

Help For Hospitality  

For the hospitality industry, encouraging compostable packaging, reducing single-use plastic and tackling food waste are key areas that need improvement.

UK Waste management company Countrystyle Recycling and sister company Envar Composting have combined services in Cambridge on a new trade waste collection and composting capabilities to bring sustainable solution waste management to catered offices, college restaurants and schools in the local council. Countrystyle’s Business Development Manager, Joe Hemsley-Rudd, notes that recycling and composting services “enable a truly local closed-loop recycling solution”.

Providing sustainable recycling and composting opportunities will encourage hospitality businesses in the local area to get involved and result in a significant decrease in hospitality related waste. 

Construction Concerns

While recycling and waste management will make an impact, household waste only accounts for 12% of UK total waste. The construction industry can be incredibly wasteful. In fact, in 2016, construction, demolition and excavation generated 62% of total UK waste! With the boom of Help-To-Buy schemes, councils are keen to build new housing. 

While sustainability is one of the most important factors when designing a new home, managing construction waste is vital. Proper material disposal and planning could help to reduce the impact of new developments, while also creating eco-friendly homes for local residents. 

Eco Education 

Making children aware of how to be sustainable and the benefits of this on people and the planet will shape attitudes of the future. By educating everyone  from a young age, the future decision makers will be able to make more informed and conscious choices. Beginning with primary children, and continuing throughout compulsory education, teaching about the circular economy in an engaging and interactive way is key. 

Final Thoughts 

Local councils should look at introducing integrated recycling services in their local communities to support individuals manage their household waste and recycling, and businesses properly dispose of commercial waste. 

They can combat construction waste with sustainable materials and responsible recycling where possible in new build developments and construction work across the city. Introducing circular economy, recycling and sustainable practice modules in all levels of education will increase awareness and encourage participation with younger generations.

Moving towards a circular economy is a team effort and involves everyone in a local community. Councils and the wider government are pivotal in changing attitudes and have the opportunity to present more sustainable practices that will aid a greener future for their residents.  

Being transparent and sharing sustainability targets with local residents and businesses could encourage people to get involved. Green initiatives could also get businesses involved. Overall local councils play a huge role in the economy, and creating opportunities to move towards circular services will make a huge environmental and economic impact on the UK.