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To help deal with the circular economy concept, which is complex
and all-encompassing, I developed a tool which I call the circularity
ladder of 10 R’s. 11 This hierarchical depiction reflects the ambition
level of circular strategies. It increases our awareness that the
circular economy does not just entail recycling waste streams
and that strategies higher on the ladder generally have a lower
environmental impact. Highest priority should be given to refusal
of use, and then to reduction, which means decreasing material
use per unit of product. Afterwards, priority should be given
to rethinking the product in view of circularity; next to product
options such as reuse, repair, refurbishment, remanufacturing
and repurposing; and then to material and resource recycling.
Finally, any remaining residue which cannot be recycled should be
incinerated with energy recovery, although this particular practice
is not part of a circular economy.
Levels of circularity: 10 R's
Order of priority
High
Refuse: Prevent raw materials' use
Reduce: Decrease raw materials' use
Redesign: Reshape product with a view to circularity principles
Reuse: Use product again (as second hand)
Repair: Maintain and repair product
Refurbish: Revive product
Remanufacture: Make new from second hand product
Re-purpose: Reuse product but with other function
Recycle: Salvage material streams with highest possible value
Low
Recover: Incinerate waste with energy recovery
11 Cramer, J., The Raw Materials Transition in the Amsterdam Metropolitan
Area: Added Value for the Economy, Well-Being and the Environment, Environment,
2017, 59, 3, 14-21, https://doi.org/10.1080/00139157.2017.1301167.