The InvestCEC project is creating a model for implementing circular economy projects in European cities and regions. This model will consider all involved parties, including investors, non-profit organisations, local and regional governments, businesses, industry groups, policymakers, and the public. Although the circular economy is increasingly recognized as a solution to tackle climate change  and limit resource depletion, its successful adoption hinges on changes in consumer attitudes and behaviours. This article examines how communities and citizens can engage in the circular economy and contribute to its success.

The role of citizens communities in the circular economy

The circular economy (CE) is built upon three principles: eliminate waste and pollution, circulate products and materials for as long as feasible, and regenerate nature (1). Although the CE model has driven several innovations and advancements in policies and initiatives in European cities, it is mostly approached through technical, scientific and policy-making paradigms (2). This approach ignore the CE’s social dimension and the role of citizens and communities in transitioning from a linear economy to a CE (3). 

Evidence shows that support and involvement from citizens are essential elements for long-term success. In particular, moving away from the traditional ‘take-make-dispose’ model will require a fundamental shift in consumer behaviour, production practices, and societal values. Since citizens occupy the role of consumers in the context of the CE, they hold the power to influence transitions from a linear to a circular economy. 

Strategies for citizen engagement 

Ensuring that citizens and communities participate in CE initiatives and waste management programs can be done in a variety of ways:

The use of rewards and incentives

Incentives could be financial, for example reduced trash disposal costs or cashback for recycling items like cans and plastic bottles (as done in Germany, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, and many other countries). Public authorities could provide rewards and recognition given to individuals and communities that are actively engaged in circular economy initiatives could also motivate citizens to adopt circular practices. For example, the UK’S ‘Eco-schools’ program recognises schools that implement sustainability, and circular economy projects and awards them with the prestigious Eco-Schools Green Flag recognition annually. 

Usually, it is the role of public authorities to provide these incentives, but there are also companies that do so, for example CoTown, a French social tech startup with a mission to empower communities to engage citizens in positive social and urban activities using the incentive of local digital currency (4). 

Education and awareness-raising

Education can include both formal and informal methods, and target audiences can include many different groups of stakeholders. Awareness raising activities can include parents, local leaders, teachers, NGO workers, municipality employees, entrepreneurs and business owners. 

Furthermore, education can include various aspects of CE engagement, such as increasing knowledge of the CE, educating citizens on their role in the CE and what they can do to help, and even teaching certain skills which are conducive to a more circular economy. For example, one study (5) identified six skill categories that citizens who are active in the CE utilise: manual skills (e.g. sewing), creative-thinking skills (e.g. thinking about the ways you can use and repurpose a certain item), research and communication skills (e.g. inspiring others), organising and prioritising skills (e.g. prioritising items that are influential in terms of their carbon footprint), household skills (e.g. maintenance, recycling and cooking skills), and skills brought by experience (e.g. knowledge of different second hand marketplaces). These identified skills can be taught through education channels. 

Creating accessible infrastructure

To foster the adoption of a more circular economy, communities need the tools and resources to participate effectively. As a consequence, convenient and accessible infrastructure are essential to facilitate circular practices. For example, adequate recycling facilities, composting facilities, and clear guidance and instructions from governments to their citizens on recycling and composting policies and processes. 

Utilising technology

The citizen participatory process in CE can leverage technology such as smartphones, internet, and advanced location and camera settings. One study in Greece (6) trialled using Augmented Reality (AR) tools to engage citizens in CE principles and empower a sense of action, and found that AR, acting as an engagement tool, can: narrow the gap between public authorities and citizens, allow citizens to understand complex phenomena such as CE, increase social inclusion and community cohesion, and increase citizens’ perceived interest and engagement in CE concepts. 

Studies have shown that when technology is used to facilitate community participation in circular activities, it can further empower citizens (7) and creates a sense of ownership, strengthening their engagement and commitment to circular economy initiatives.

Challenges in citizen engagement 

Insufficient time and resources to respond to every engagement request (8)

Contributing to a CE and taking on circular and sustainable practices can involve time and money. For example, citizens may have to learn new skills and take on activities for repair and reuse during their free time (9).

Absence of infrastructure (8)

Lack of accessible recycling facilities or repair services can also hinder citizen engagement. This can especially be a problem in medium-sized cities European cities, where existing infrastructure may not be as advanced as in larger cities, leading to higher initial investment requirements for CE projects. 

Lack of awareness, education and sense of responsibility 

Many people are unfamiliar with the concept of the circular economy and its benefits, and do not always have a clear idea of how they can contribute to it. Furthermore, citizens need to trust that their efforts will make a difference, and that the circular economy initiative are genuine.  When people perceive initiatives as tokenistic or lacking transparency, their willingness to participate diminishes. Building trust requires consistent communication and visible impact, where citizens see how their actions contribute to larger goals, helping to reinforce a sense of responsibility and long-term engagement.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, a successful transition to a circular economy will depends on active citizen and community engagement. This requires a multi-dimensional approach encompassing incentives, education, accessible infrastructure, and technology. While challenges exist, prioritizing community involvement, as the InvestCEC project emphasizes, is crucial for widespread adoption of circular principles and a sustainable future.

This article was written by Enspire Science Ltd. for the InvestCEC project. For more information, please contact Andrea Ratkošová Motola: andrea.ratkosova@enspire-science.com

References

1. Ellen MacArthur Foundation. “Circular Economy Introduction.” Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2024, www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/topics/circular-economy-introduction/overview
2. Steffen Böhm, et al. “14 Circular Society Activism: Prefigurative Communities in Everyday Circular Economy Action.” Handbook of the Circular Economy, 6 Mar. 2023, pp. 241–260.
3. Volchkova, Iuliia. “Exploring the Role of Youth Engagement in the Circular Economy. The Case of Restore, Trondheim.” Handle.net, 2022, hdl.handle.net/11250/3026235, no.ntnu:inspera:108357730:64939963 
4. Home | CoTown – Civic engagement and local digital currencies solutions
5. Råberg, Mirka. Citizens’ Skills in the Circular Economy. 2022.
6. Katika, Tina, et al. “Augmented Reality (AR) Supporting Citizen Engagement in Circular Economy.” Circular Economy and Sustainability, 3 Feb. 2022, https://doi.org/10.1007/s43615-021-00137-7
7. Ceddia, Anna Rita, et al. “A Systematic Literature Review Exploring the Nexus between Circular Economy and Communities.” Frontiers in Sustainable Cities, vol. 6, 16 July 2024, https://doi.org/10.3389/frsc.2024.1404279
8. I.A.P. Nirmani. “Understanding the Role of Community Participation in Enhancing Circular Economy Outcomes in Developing Regions.” World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, vol. 23, no. 3, 30 Sept. 2024, pp. 3034–3043, https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2024.23.3.2935. Accessed 24 Feb. 2025.
9. Arturo, Isaac, and Ida Nilstad Pettersen. “The Role given to Citizens in Shaping a Circular City.” Urban Geography, 12 June 2023, pp. 1–20, https://doi.org/10.1080/02723638.2023.2221097