System solutions for the circular economy on the regional level: the case of Green Lungs of Poland

Abstract

This study provides a comprehensive review of the literature within the last five years to capture the main concepts, features, perspectives and approaches of the circular economy, which has gained increasing worldwide attention. Systems theory is the theoretical basis of the research, and the antecedents to the circular economy are defined as mandatory elements of successful waste management systems alongside production, consumption, secondary raw materials and horizontal actions (innovation, investment and monitoring). The study looks at the waste management system at the regional level, namely the Podlasie region of Poland, and reveals dysfunctions of the traditional waste management system, such as local monopolies and limited freedom of business activity. Study findings suggest implementing the circular economy in the traditional waste management system in order to approach the latter holistically and encourage interaction between stakeholders rather than isolated actions and individual actors. The study provides implications for both theory and practice.