Abstract
This article introduces M-GRCT, a circular economy decision support model for the design of recyclable waste management systems in low-income municipalities. The model allows for performing calculations on a set of two scenarios integrating a sociocultural dynamics assessment, this being a characteristic feature of this type of municipalities. The model also integrates the analysis of the remaining variables usually addressed in solid waste management schemes while considering topics such as reduction of the carbon footprint due to activities such as the transport of recyclable waste, the generation of leachates, the generation of greenhouse gases and the promotion of an increase in the number of associated recyclers and selective routes. The economic evaluation of the different implementation scenarios is supported by a dynamic tool called DATA4 (a macro-type array accompanied by two control panels programmed in Visual Basic and dashboards by Power BI). M-GRCT constitutes a tool for the promotion of good environmental practices and the identification of strategies for the promotion of local development mechanisms. Results provided by the model contrast with those obtained by traditional linear economy approaches. An illustrative example of the application of the M-GRCT model is shown. The model was used to simulate the municipal solid waste managing system of the municipality of Guateque (Colombia). The results show the importance of integrating both economic and environmental costs to optimally allocate governmental and private resources when the recycling rate is expected to increase in the next 10 years.
Highlights
The objective of this work is to present a new dynamic circular economy model, called M-GRCT, which is applicable to low-income municipalities and which allows for analyzing the benefits and drawbacks of the circular economy approach compared to the linear economy approach
The results demonstrate that the application of the linear economy model is more viable in economic terms, due to the fact that it presents higher internal return rate (IRR) and cost benefit ratio (CBR) values
In low-income municipalities, deficiencies in local development and commerce, as well as inadequate traditional practices for waste management, were identified. Local governments of these municipalities must promote the reduction of the environmental impacts associated with such practices by implementing waste management models
Summary
The increasing demand for natural resources, caused by population growth, induces a growing tendency toward promoting an efficient use of the available resources [1,2]. This causes many to criticize the linear economy, since it only seeks economic growth without taking into account social and environmental impacts [3–5]. It is considered a key strategy to achieve the EU climate goals [12] and the Sustainable Development Goals [13,14]. It could even help increase gross domestic product, improve employment opportunities and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG)
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