Knowledge Agora



Scientific Article details

Title Risk management of hazardous substances in a circular economy
ID_Doc 4156
Authors Bodar, C; Spijker, J; Lijzen, J; Waaijers-van der Loop, S; Luit, R; Heugens, E; Janssen, M; Wassenaar, P; Traas, T
Title Risk management of hazardous substances in a circular economy
Year 2018
Published
DOI 10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.02.014
Abstract The ambitions for a circular economy are high and unambiguous, but day-to-day experience shows that the transition still has many difficulties to overcome. One of the current hurdles is the presence of hazardous substances in waste streams that enter or re-enter into the environment or the technosphere. The key question is: do we have the appropriate risk management tools to control any risks that might arise from the re-using and recycling of materials? We present some recent cases that illustrate current practice and complexity in the risk management of newly-formed circular economy chains. We also highlight how separate legal frameworks are still disconnected from each other in these cases, and how circular economy initiatives interlink with the European REACH regulation. Furthermore, we introduce a novel scheme describing how to decide whether a(n)(additional) risk assessment is necessary with regard to the re-use of materials containing hazardous substances. Finally, we present our initial views on new concepts for the fundamental integration of sustainability and safety aspects. These concepts should be the building blocks for the near future shifts in both policy frameworks and voluntary initiatives that support a sound circular economy transition. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Author Keywords Chemicals; Recycling; REACH; Toxicity; Sustainability
Index Keywords Index Keywords
Document Type Other
Open Access Open Access
Source Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED)
EID WOS:000428097500013
WoS Category Environmental Sciences
Research Area Environmental Sciences & Ecology
PDF
Similar atricles
Scroll