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How to handle the policy conflict between resource circulation and hazardous substances in the use of waste?

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  • Nils Johansson
  • Joakim Krook

Abstract

A circular economy creates a policy conflict between increased resource circulation and decreased dispersal of hazardous substances. On the basis of three case studies in the EU, we have therefore identified various regulatory questions that can be posed to address the occurrence of hazardous substances in the use of waste. For each of these questions, we have proposed two possible responses influencing the design of the regulation and analyzed their consequences both from a circularity and from a toxicity perspective. Currently, the regulations focus on reducing the dispersal of hazardous substances rather than stimulating resource circulation. The allowable contamination levels in the waste are typically regulated in relation to its mass rather than its content of valuable resources. The regulation of hazards in waste can be further developed in two general ways, by emphasizing either the risk of exposure to hazards or the total content of hazards. A risk approach is beneficial for short‐term circularity and waste producers. A hazard approach is beneficial for long‐term circularity and waste users. In order to improve the balancing of the policy conflict in question, values, underlying assumptions, and the effects of hazardous substances and resource circulation need to be better understood.

Suggested Citation

  • Nils Johansson & Joakim Krook, 2021. "How to handle the policy conflict between resource circulation and hazardous substances in the use of waste?," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 25(4), pages 994-1008, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:inecol:v:25:y:2021:i:4:p:994-1008
    DOI: 10.1111/jiec.13103
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Christoph Helbig & Yasushi Kondo & Shinichiro Nakamura, 2022. "Simultaneously tracing the fate of seven metals at a global level with MaTrace‐multi," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 26(3), pages 923-936, June.
    2. Christoph Helbig & Jonas Huether & Charlotte Joachimsthaler & Christian Lehmann & Simone Raatz & Andrea Thorenz & Martin Faulstich & Axel Tuma, 2022. "A terminology for downcycling," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 26(4), pages 1164-1174, August.
    3. Nils Johansson, 2021. "Circular Agreements—Exploring the Role of Agreements and Deals as a Political Tool for a Circular Economy," Circular Economy and Sustainability,, Springer.
    4. Hervé Corvellec & Alison F. Stowell & Nils Johansson, 2022. "Critiques of the circular economy," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 26(2), pages 421-432, April.
    5. Marzena Smol & Paulina Marcinek & Eugeniusz Koda, 2021. "Drivers and Barriers for a Circular Economy (CE) Implementation in Poland—A Case Study of Raw Materials Recovery Sector," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-19, April.
    6. Sascha P. Klein & Verena Liszt‐Rohlf & Patrick Spieth, 2023. "Value‐based bricolage: Resource mobilization in the circular economy," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 27(6), pages 1476-1487, December.

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