Evaluating the effectiveness of circular economy initiatives in reducing urban waste and promoting sustainable development: A case study of Greece

This paper evaluates the impact of circular economy interventions on waste management in urban centers of Greece, focusing on four key areas: Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs), Product-as-a-Service (PaaS) models, Industrial Symbiosis (IS), and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted using structured questionnaires completed by 175 policymakers, environmental management specialists, and urban planners. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple regression analyses to assess the effectiveness of these interventions in addressing urban waste challenges. Findings revealed that 41.7% of participants considered MRFs highly effective in reducing landfill waste and enhancing recycling processes. Additionally, 42.9% expressed strong support for PaaS models to improve resource efficiency, minimize waste generation, and encourage sustainable consumption patterns. Industrial Symbiosis was deemed highly beneficial by 48.0% of respondents, promoting collaboration between industries to optimize resource utilization. Meanwhile, 38.9% believed EPR policies significantly improved waste management by enforcing producer accountability and fostering sustainable production. Regression analysis demonstrated that all four variables had positive, significant correlations with urban waste management, with an R-squared value of 0.901, indicating that 90.1% of the variation in waste management outcomes could be explained by these interventions. The study underscores the importance of circular economy strategies in promoting sustainable urban development, responsible waste disposal, and efficient resource management in Greece. To enhance effectiveness, policymakers should increase funding for MRFs, raise public awareness of PaaS models, introduce favorable policies for Industrial Symbiosis, and strengthen the implementation of EPR regulations. Additionally, investing in technological advancements and fostering stakeholder collaboration can further optimize waste reduction strategies. Future research should explore long-term impacts, integrate qualitative insights, and assess policy adaptability to emerging environmental challenges for a more comprehensive and resilient circular economy framework.