6. The Urban Solid Wastes Management in Cuautlancingo, Puebla, Towards a Circular Economy: Social and Economic Impacts of CE to the Region – Innovative Business Models

The purpose of this paper is to describe how Cuautlancingo, a local government of Puebla, México, manages circular economy (CE) activities related to urban solid wastes (USW). The final goal of those activities is to reduce potential sources of soil/water contamination and to preserve the environmental conditions. Due to the CE systematic approach, several stakeholders are required to integrate their efforts. Government and companies represent key stakeholders who can adopt the circular economy as a systematic thinking approach to make decisions accordantly. Hence, this paper was focused on trying to identify and describe the CE systematic approach in Cuautlancingo, as a case study. Three main points of attention were used for this analysis: (1) the wastes collection methods applied; (2) the type and conditions of waste management and (3) how does a circular economy perspective can influence other business or companies to recycle waste and generate more employment possibilities. The research methodology used was of qualitative nature. The main research method consisted of a questionnaire which was applied to staff members of the local government in Cuautlancingo. Aspects associated to the USW, such as generation, use and their treatment were the focus of the questionnaire. Some of the findings shed light on the poor CE implementation associated with USW management. However, some opportunities could also be identified, i.e. if the local government assumed the responsibility to organise and sell the recyclables, this would represent an additional income up to 366 USD per month. Consequently, it is perceived the need of redesigning the USW processes to retain the material value within the CE perspective.