The Circular Economy as a Tool for Sustainable Socio-Economic Development

Abstract:

This paper gives an overview of the current state and application of the circular economy model, showing how governments of developed countries incorporate the principles of the circular economy model and how they shape the modern urban environment and transform the waste management system. The circular economy model, as a management model, is usually described in the literature as a model in which the conceptual logic is to reduce the consumption of primary raw materials, reduce the volume of recycled resources, which are accompanied by a reduction in waste sent for disposal, while reducing the areas occupied by appropriate landfills and unorganized landfills. The circular economy model has its weaknesses, but the positive effects of the transition to this model are felt much more strongly by society. That is why authorities in various countries are increasingly trying to create a closed economic cycle at the state, regional or local level. Among the developed countries with a high level of integration of the principles of the circular economy model are Germany, South Korea, Great Britain, the United States, the Republic of South Africa, and Malaysia. The results of the analysis of the current experience of developed countries in implementing the principles of the circular economy model, the main actors in this process can be identified. These are the state, non-governmental organisations, businesses, academia and society. There is also an analysis of the results of the circular economy model in the Russian Federation.