WASTE MANAGEMENT IN THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY UNSEEN ZOONOTIC RISKS
WASTE MANAGEMENT IN THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY UNSEEN ZOONOTIC RISKS

Summary/Abstract: Circular economy (CE) practices have garnered global attention for their potential to reduce waste, enhance resource efficiency, and address pressing environmental challenges. Nevertheless, certain CE activities—such as composting, biogas production, and landfill-to-energy conversion—may inadvertently create conditions favorable to zoonotic disease vectors. This study investigates the relationship between CE waste management practices and vector proliferation, utilizing real-world data derived from the annual reports of 15 global waste management companies. The findings indicate that inadequately managed composting facilities can promote mosquito breeding, biogas plants may attract rodents, and landfills often serve as habitats for birds, collectively heightening the risk of zoonotic disease transmission. An analysis of 10 facilities further delineates trends in vector activity across various waste processing environments. The study emphasizes the necessity of integrating public health risk management strategies into CE frameworks to achieve a balance between environmental sustainability and epidemiological safety.

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