Durham Strategic Plan Dashboard
Prosperity
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Initiative: 5.32 Explore strategies to establish a circular economy
Thriving & Vibrant Environment
Description
A circular economy is a cooperative model that continuously turns waste into resources by locally recirculating materials for reuse and remanufacture. Establishing a circular economy in Durham will help protect the environment, reduce natural resource dependence, create jobs, and save money.
Key Measures & Data Analysis
As a newly developed program, much of the current work focuses on planning, organizing, and building key relationships. This foundational phase is essential for long-term success. In the next phase—implementation—we expect to see more measurable outcomes, providing data to assess progress and impact more effectively.
Number of repurpose/reuse partners
Why is it important?
In practice, a circular economy diverts waste from the landfill by diverting usable materials and conserving valuable land. When a material is no longer useful for its original purpose, it can be kept within the economy via recycling, repurpose, reuse, and repair when properly diverted, where markets and a skilled workforce exist. Products and materials can be productively used again and again. This would help the City reduce its environmental impacts, such as energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Like energy efficiency efforts, establishing a circular economy will help the City be less reliant on scarce resources such as fossil fuels. Finally, in the long-term, a circular economy promotes sustainable consumption and production practices which benefit both the City and residents.
What have we been doing?
- Submitted EPA SWIFR Grant: Awaiting award announcements in Spring 2025.
- Permanent Position: Submitted FY26 Budget Request.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Initiated relationships with key stakeholders, including new stakeholder ReCity.
- Pilot Events: Hosted the Repair Café on January 11.
- Market Development for Material Diversion: Initial planning is underway, with more updates expected during implementation.
What's next?
- Monitor EPA SWIFR Grant Announcements: Prepare for potential funding and implementation.
- Advance Permanent Position Approval: Advocate for funding in the budget process.
- Strengthen Stakeholder Partnerships: Continue building relationships to support waste diversion initiatives.
- Expand Pilot Events: Assess the impact of the Repair Café and explore additional event opportunities.
- Develop Market Strategies for Material Diversion: Implement strategies to enhance material recovery and diversion efforts through the waste characterization study.
City Website Home Page: Durham, NC | Official Website (durhamnc.gov)
Budget Website Page: Budget & Management Services Department | Durham, NC (durhamnc.gov)
Budget and Management Services Department
Office of Performance and Innovation
Strategy and Performance Division