Waste management intervention to boost circular economy and mitigate climate change in cities of developing countries: The case of Brazil

Abstract

Innovations in Municipal Solid Waste Management (MSWM) can better connect circular economy (CE) and climate change (CC) since they have many trade-offs, especially in developing countries. Studies report the main barriers to innovation in MSWM that constrain a more circular economy (CE) and climate responses, but little is known about possible paths for innovation. Thus, this article aims to identify the main enablers of innovations in MSWM. Four municipalities in Brazil were selected because they presented highly innovative actions in the MSWM that reduced trade-offs between CE and CC. Based on an analysis of the economic, environmental, and operational performance of the four MSWM, we found reductions in Greenhouse Gases (GHG - CO2eq per inhabitant) of up to 90% and lower waste management costs per inhabitant compared to the national average. Four main enablers made the innovations possible to accelerate the transitions to a more circular and low-carbon economy in municipalities: local capacity, intergovernmental collaboration, MSWM with local partners, and environmental education that promotes social participation. This research contributed to developing a method to identify enablers at various system levels and propose technological approaches and practices that enable innovation in MSW management. Such measures can serve as a subsidy for circular disruption and as a basis for intervention in MSWM, especially in developing countries.