Circular Economy Practices, Knowledge Diffusion, and Waste Diversion across Urban Food Systems

Abstract

The rapid urbanization and corresponding expansion of municipal food systems have precipitated a critical environmental challenge concerning organic waste management. Traditional linear economic models of take, make, and dispose are increasingly unsustainable, necessitating a paradigm shift toward circular economy frameworks. This paper explores the intersection of circular economy practices and knowledge diffusion mechanisms to explain waste diversion behaviors within urban food systems. By employing a comprehensive mixed-methods approach, the research investigates how theoretical and practical knowledge regarding food waste reduction, composting, and resource recovery is transmitted across community networks and municipal channels. The study evaluates the efficacy of decentralized knowledge-sharing nodes, such as community gardens and localized sustainability workshops, in fostering behavioral change at the household level. Findings indicate that while centralized municipal infrastructure is necessary, the actual utilization and success of waste diversion programs are heavily dependent on peer-to-peer knowledge diffusion and community trust. The research demonstrates that integrated social networks significantly amplify the adoption of circular practices, thereby reducing the volume of organic waste directed to landfills. This paper contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable urban metabolism by providing empirical evidence on the social dimensions of the circular economy, ultimately offering actionable insights for urban planners and policymakers aiming to optimize urban food waste management systems.