Circular Economy for Glasgow

In our world today and traditionally, we take materials from the Earth, and we make products. We often use these products only once, and then we throw them away. This process is linear. In a world where there is increasing concern around availability of natural resources, climate change and breakdown of ecosystems, we need to move away from this and towards a new alternative, a circular system.

In a circular system, materials and products never become waste, instead they keep being used, and nature is revived. In a circular economy, products and materials are kept in circulation through processes like maintenance, reuse, refurbishment, remanufacture, recycling, and composting. By changing the way we make, buy, use, and re-use products, we can reduce waste and pollution, and help improve people’s lives.

A circular economy is underpinned by the accessibility of renewable energy, and it is based on three principles:

• Eliminate waste and pollution
• Circulate products and materials
• Regenerate nature

We can all see and feel the impacts that climate change and the nature crises are having in our day-to-day lives, on communities, our society, our economic wellbeing, and our environment – in Glasgow, in Scotland and across the world. In 2019, Glasgow declared a climate and ecological emergency. The circular economy is one of the tools we can use to tackle these challenges.

Cities are where most food, energy and resources are directed to. They also have a wealth of resources, data, and talent. They therefore are a vital part in the transition to a circular world. Citizens, the public and private sector, and communities come together to form our city, and everyone plays a key role in transforming Glasgow into a circular city.

As a local authority, Glasgow City Council can adopt circular practices through public procurement, and act as a promoter, facilitator and enabler of circular economy in our city. Glasgow’s businesses can drive innovation and adoption of circular practices. Communities and community-driven social innovation, like reuse and repair hubs, can help build resilient neighbourhoods and help Glaswegians engage with circular economy. As individuals, we can actively participate by considering repairing products instead of buying new, by repurposing and donating items when we no longer need them, by recycling in our homes by sharing resources like tools and clothes.

The shift is not easy, but it is essential. Progress is made but there is more that can be done. Working together, we can help Glasgow grow into a circular, fair, and inclusive city where environmental sustainability, economic prosperity, and social equity co-exist.

Want to find out more?

Glasgow City Council's Circular Economy webpage.

Let us know if you have a circular project you would like to talk to us about.

Email us at sustainability@glasgow.gov.uk