Adoption of Circular Economy Developed: A Comparative Analysis between Developed and Developing Countries for Sustainable Waste Management

Due to the rapid pace of industrialization worldwide, a considerable amount of waste has accumulated, which tends to compromise the sustainability of the environment and the availability of resources for future generations. As a countermeasure, the linear economy to a circular economy (CE) transition has evolved into an essential means for realizing sustainable development. We compared developed and developing countries’ readiness to embrace the circular economy principles, particularly on sustainable waste management. Adopting a systematic review methodology, the study analyzed 70 relevant academic papers published on CE implementation in different industries and regions, particularly in developed economies, including Australia. The year of publication, research methodology, geographical contexts, and industrial applications were considered in the analysis. These results show that developed countries have made clear advances in Circularity in waste management, supported by mature policy frameworks, technological advances and multi-stakeholder contributions. On the other hand, in many developing countries, the adoption of CE practices is poor, owing to policy inadequacies, resource scarcity, and limited stakeholder involvement. This study’s findings suggest that developing countries could gain from CE implementation through targeted approaches encompassing the government, the industry, and communities. The paper ends with policy suggestions and collaborative strategies to promote the integration of a circular economy for sustainable waste management in developed and developing country settings.