A Strategic Framework for Working toward Zero Waste Societies Based on Perceptions Surveys

The visionary concept of zero waste advocates a systematic process of designing out waste and recovering resources from waste. A strategic zero waste framework (ZWF) is essential for developing and executing systematic waste management activities to achieve the overarching goals. This study identifi...

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Main Author: Zaman, Atiq
Format: Journal Article
Published: 2017
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/50595
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author Zaman, Atiq
author_facet Zaman, Atiq
author_sort Zaman, Atiq
building Curtin Institutional Repository
collection Online Access
description The visionary concept of zero waste advocates a systematic process of designing out waste and recovering resources from waste. A strategic zero waste framework (ZWF) is essential for developing and executing systematic waste management activities to achieve the overarching goals. This study identifies the key principles for the development of a strategic ZWF based on a waste experts’ survey analysis. Around 68 experts from different regions responded and provided their views on the key elements of a strategic ZWF though an online questionnaire survey. Eighteen strategic elements of waste prevention, management, treatment and assessment were identified as the key principles of the zero waste framework. As the study followed a generalized approach, it is important to acknowledge that all identified and proposed strategic elements may need to be contextualized based on the local conditions in order to achieve zero waste goals. Based on the findings, the study suggests the following three fundamental strategic action plans that need to be implemented simultaneously for moving towards zero waste societies: (i) sustainable production through a cradle-to-cradle design and product stewardship; (ii) collaborative and responsible consumption of natural resources; and (iii) zero waste management through conservation of resources. In addition, a constant evaluation of progress towards zero waste goals is essential. It is anticipated that by considering local circumstances, the proposed strategic guidelines would be beneficial for local authorities and relevant stakeholders while developing their zero waste strategy
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spelling curtin-20.500.11937-505952017-09-13T15:36:41Z A Strategic Framework for Working toward Zero Waste Societies Based on Perceptions Surveys Zaman, Atiq The visionary concept of zero waste advocates a systematic process of designing out waste and recovering resources from waste. A strategic zero waste framework (ZWF) is essential for developing and executing systematic waste management activities to achieve the overarching goals. This study identifies the key principles for the development of a strategic ZWF based on a waste experts’ survey analysis. Around 68 experts from different regions responded and provided their views on the key elements of a strategic ZWF though an online questionnaire survey. Eighteen strategic elements of waste prevention, management, treatment and assessment were identified as the key principles of the zero waste framework. As the study followed a generalized approach, it is important to acknowledge that all identified and proposed strategic elements may need to be contextualized based on the local conditions in order to achieve zero waste goals. Based on the findings, the study suggests the following three fundamental strategic action plans that need to be implemented simultaneously for moving towards zero waste societies: (i) sustainable production through a cradle-to-cradle design and product stewardship; (ii) collaborative and responsible consumption of natural resources; and (iii) zero waste management through conservation of resources. In addition, a constant evaluation of progress towards zero waste goals is essential. It is anticipated that by considering local circumstances, the proposed strategic guidelines would be beneficial for local authorities and relevant stakeholders while developing their zero waste strategy 2017 Journal Article http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/50595 10.3390/recycling2010001 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ fulltext
spellingShingle Zaman, Atiq
A Strategic Framework for Working toward Zero Waste Societies Based on Perceptions Surveys
title A Strategic Framework for Working toward Zero Waste Societies Based on Perceptions Surveys
title_full A Strategic Framework for Working toward Zero Waste Societies Based on Perceptions Surveys
title_fullStr A Strategic Framework for Working toward Zero Waste Societies Based on Perceptions Surveys
title_full_unstemmed A Strategic Framework for Working toward Zero Waste Societies Based on Perceptions Surveys
title_short A Strategic Framework for Working toward Zero Waste Societies Based on Perceptions Surveys
title_sort strategic framework for working toward zero waste societies based on perceptions surveys
url http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/50595