Sustainable Infrastructure and Systemic Solutions for Urban Waste and Resource Challenges: A Comparative Study of Circular Economy Models in Amsterdam, Cape Town, and Bangkok

Abstract:

Rapid urbanization globally has intensified waste generation and resource scarcity, demanding sustainable infrastructure and systemic solutions that align with circular economy principles. This study examines three urban contexts—Amsterdam (Netherlands), Cape Town (South Africa), and Bangkok (Thailand)—to evaluate how tailored infrastructure systems address waste and resource challenges. Using a mixed-methods approach, including infrastructure performance audits, life cycle assessments (LCA), and stakeholder interviews, we analyze three key systemic solutions: (1) integrated waste-to-energy (WtE) networks in Amsterdam, (2) decentralized recycling hubs in Cape Town, and (3) biomass waste valorization systems in Bangkok. Results indicate that Amsterdam’s WtE infrastructure reduces landfill dependency by 78% and generates 12% of the city’s district heating, while Cape Town’s decentralized hubs improve recycling rates by 40% in informal settlements. Bangkok’s biomass systems convert 35% of agricultural and food waste into biogas, supporting 5,000 households with cooking fuel. Common success factors include policy integration, multi-stakeholder governance, and community co-design, while barriers include high upfront costs, technological capacity gaps, and cultural resistance. The study proposes a "Circular Infrastructure Framework" emphasizing context-specificity, scalability, and resource cascading, contributing to evidence-based strategies for sustainable urban waste and resource management in diverse urban settings.