The hidden concept and the beauty of multiple "R" in the framework of waste strategies development reflecting to circular economy principles.

ABSTRACT

There are numerous unresolved research questions, along with ongoing debates regarding how to achieve circular economy and at what level. The forthcoming circular economy standard (ISO 59000 framework) as a result from the ISO/TC 323, from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) aims to offer global implementation pathways using a unified technical language. The most challenging aspect of circularity, whether viewed scientifically, technically, and/or legislatively, is how to enhance prosperity while reducing reliance on primary materials and energy to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, thereby aiding the EU in achieving a successful and equitable transition towards a sustainable future. Strategies in the framework of waste management and circular economy are essential and needed to reduce the impact of several processes on the environment through product, processes, and corporate policies using green applicable sustainable resources and environmental management systems. In addition, "measuring something that is not there" is very complex and not fully comprehensible, not clear and not tangible from organizations, researchers, policy makers and citizens. The willingness and ability of individuals or organizations to take actions towards a low-carbon society involves grappling with various perspectives, such as social norms and economic viability. Circular economy is considered a tool in combating climate change and implementing climate mitigation (as well as adaptation) measures. Moreover, to date, there has been no common scientific or technical language for the application of the circular economy concept. This paper highlights the multitude of "Rs" beyond the well-known (3Rs) Reduce-Reuse-Recycle pattern, which can be applied in various contexts to assist SMEs and organizations (and even more citizens) in successfully adopting circular economy principles, while also shedding light on how these "Rs" can be utilized to measure intangible aspects (something that is not there). The results indicates that more than 55Rs exist which directly involved in the circular economy framework considering also waste management strategies. The findings of this study reveal the existence of over 82 "Rs" beyond the well-known principles of "reduce, reuse, recycle," each playing a distinct role in the development of strategies aimed at addressing waste management issues and advancing circularity towards a low-carbon society. Furthermore, the results could be useful for any policy makers, consultants, engineers, practitioners, urban planners, academics etc., in order to develop, apply, monitor and improve any strategy such as waste prevention, reuse, reduce, energy recovery etc., in the framework of circular economy principles, solid waste management and beyond.