The Dark Side of the Circular Economy

Aftermovie for the 5th Enhanced Landfill Mining Symposium in Leuven (5-2-2020) (made by Stijn van Baarle, Storyrunner). Referring to the EC’s #europeangreendeal the video highlights that the pending #circulareconomy Action Plan suffers from one major blind spot. How can we deal with the landfilled waste of the past, irrespective of the urgent need to avoid new waste creation and disposal in the future? It's not just about waste flows but also about waste stocks!

Taking into account that in Europe there are 12,000 #landfills in areas prone to flooding as a result of #climatechange (cf. lecture Kate Spencer), urgent (policy) action is required.

Speakers were Peter Tom Jones, Eddy Wille, Yves Tielemans, Kate Spencer, Paul Bardos, Claudia Neculau, Frédéric Nguyen, Juan Carlos Hernández Parrodi, Hugo Lucas, Yamid Gómez Rueda and Giovanna Sauve.

[wearetheland]

This title is rather deceptive as this is not the dark side of a circular economy. That implies that this waste is the cause of a circular economy. In reality, it is the dark side of our linear consumption and should be dealt with as a circular economy is implemented

[TheaDragonSpirit]

Shouldn't this be the dark side of the previous economy... and the issues that need to be dealt with by future generations?

[adnilramos]

Should be called "the dark side of the non-circular economy"

[arissa]

The reason it's the dark side is because the circular economy only speaks of a change in operations, and does not address the issues of our current linear production system. A circular economy is not an adequate solution if it does not address the weaknesses of the linear economy. We need a two pronged approach or for the current waste to be incorporated in the circular economy process.

[jfishr-]

What a bad video honestly. It’s essentially not saying anything. Waste created by the linear economy - so what’s the issue with the dark side of the Circular economy? Those people arguing against the most promising systemic approach that actually could immediately work under given circumstances, really haven't yet understood where we're headed with the current interpretation of economic thinking.

[michaelninoramirez]

Wait a minute, nothing on this video talks about the Dark Side of Circular Economy?

[kusumjannat]

While the topic is relevant, the title is alarmingly misleading and in bad taste.
The past waste is result of linear economy.

[shuchko]

Its easier to deal with future waste as materials can be designed for reuse and recycle. This was certainly not the thing in the past. But KUL has world renown separation technology specialists that are our best bet in waste mining. I do think if we start with what needs less investment- future waste, we will be able to deal in time with more demanding past waste...

[Fahimreasons]

.So vital, not everything of the past can be buried and moved on, this is an amazing speach, not dragging on, brief and to.the point, , the hidden problem has been identified and now its upto those with the power to find lasting solutions, while progressing the circular economy, and the go green on progressive levels.
If the men and women in power around the world ignores the darkside of circular economy and just go ahead, the repurcussion will be severe .
Thank you for enlightening us,
Never ever thought of it .
Extremely grateful .
F.H
Sri Lanka

[Cy]

OK fair enough I get the title, makes sense.

[adamwakeling]

Pretty clumsy title to be honest, but very valid point