Closing the Loop: Circular Economy Practices in Urban Food Waste Management and Nutrient Recycling

Abstract:

Rapid urbanization and changing consumption patterns have led to a dramatic increase in urban food waste, presenting significant challenges to environmental sustainability, resource efficiency, and public health. The linear "take-make-dispose" model in food systems exacerbates these issues by squandering valuable nutrients and contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. This paper focuses on the role of circular economy practices in closing the loop of urban food waste management and nutrient recycling. It reviews a range of strategies, including source reduction, separate collection systems, composting, anaerobic digestion, and innovative technologies for nutrient recovery (such as biogas production and biofertilizer synthesis). The analysis highlights how these practices not only divert food waste from landfills but also facilitate the recycling of essential nutrients (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) back into agricultural systems, thereby promoting a more sustainable and resilient urban food cycle. Additionally, the paper examines the policy frameworks, stakeholder collaborations, and technological advancements that enable the effective implementation of circular economy approaches in urban contexts. Case studies from diverse cities are included to illustrate successful models and identify key barriers, such as infrastructure gaps, public awareness, and economic viability. The findings emphasize that integrating circular economy principles into urban food waste management is critical for reducing environmental impacts, enhancing resource security, and fostering a transition towards more sustainable urban development.