Gus Schellekens, EY: “Sources of raw materials are unlikely to be able to meet future demand”

“Sources of raw materials and supply chains are unlikely to be able to meet future demand. Many of the resources that we need for our society, for example metals, are present in commercially significant quantities in waste and the circular economy model looks promising. But of course it requires changing our current systems and money is always a challenge.

The good news is that theory has been proven for individual waste streams. Tools and technologies exist for governments and companies to implement the principles of circular economy. The benefits are significant,” Gus Schellekens, Senior Sustainability Advisor, EY Romania said during Circular Economy Conference organized by The Diplomat-Bucharest.

“Any country, any government, any region that is looking to move and significantly change the way in which waste is understood and addressed locally requires big shifts in four main areas:

1) Regulation. The bodies that exist to manage the waste, the legislation and regulation that’s required to operate and guide operators in the waste environment.

2) Culture. The understanding, awareness and engagement of the population is critical. Without them this cannot be done. They play a huge part in terms of waste segregation. Their behavior in terms of where they dispose of waste, how they dispose and how much waste they produce is critical for the success of any waste management plans.

3) Financing mechanisms and incentives have an important role to play to make sure that are consequences for the waste producers.

4) Infrastructure. There are some costs in existing infrastructure that would exist in any country and any region. Do we keep it? Do we upgrade it? Do we shut it down? Do we replace it? Do we relocate it? This needs to be part of a country-wide coordinated plan for how waste will be addressed and dealt with not just now, but at least 20-25 years in the future to make sure that you are heading in the right direction.”

Full recording of the conference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oonbexyNmcw&t=9905s