300+ Policies that promote circular development

According to a recent report of Circle Economy, our world is currently 9% circular, meaning that current production systems rely 91% on extracted resources, most of which end up being discarded as waste, lost to the global economy and degrading the global environment as pollutants. The report further shows that extraction, processing and production globally account for 62% of total GHG emissions.

As highlighted in ICLEI’s strategic pathways, circular development is a pivotal step to deep decarbonisation and a more equitable, resilient and biodiverse urban future. It is also, however, is a tremendous task. Even at the city level, where the proximity of stakeholders and local value chains is particularly suited to closing loops, the operationalization of circular development faces numerous barriers.

While there is no silver-bullet for circular development in cities, strong support is available internationally to exchange experiences and good practice, access tools and expertise and find capable implementation partners.

ICLEI worked with Circle Economy to compile examples of circular policies on Circle Economy’s Knowledge Hub –  the world’s largest open-access case study library of circular initiatives. By sharing practical examples of circular policies, cities and policymakers throughout the world can share their knowledge and expertise to overcome the barriers towards a circular future.

300+ circular cases across 40+ countries

The 300+ circular policies span 25+ policy instruments that boost the transition to a circular economy throughout the world, from circular procurement to collaboration platforms; landfill bans to green bonds. These three inspiring examples give a taste of some of the innovative circular policies that can be found on the Knowledge Hub:

• Flanders’ pay-as-you-throw waste collection scheme charges households depending on the quantity of waste they generate
• Catalunya Circular showcases the best circular individuals and organisations throughout the region to inspire others to adopt circularity
• London’s FoodSave Scheme supported the reduction of unavoidable food waste through free waste audits for participating local food restaurants and cafés

As the recognition of the circular economy continues to grow globally, so too will the library of circular policies in the Knowledge Hub. Open-access and collaborative, this digital platform will continue to empower and inspire a global community of circular changemakers. We invite cities and policymakers to share their knowledge, experiences and best practices on circular policies to accelerate the transition towards a circular development.