SOLID WASTE AND SUSTAINABLE DESIGN – AN ANALYSIS OF RECYCLING IN THE "CIRCULAR ECONOMY" IN THE LIGHT OF THE 2030 AGENDA

Abstract

The growing concern with sustainability has driven debates on solid waste management and its reintegration into the production cycle, especially in the context of the circular economy. The UN 2030 Agenda establishes goals to ensure sustainable production and consumption patterns, reinforcing the need to reassess the linear disposal model. In this context, the research seeks to answer: how can recycling, within the scope of the circular economy, contribute to sustainable design and the reduction of environmental impact, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? The theoretical foundation is based on the principles of the circular economy, as formulated by Ellen MacArthur (2013), Catherine Weetman (2019) and on the discussions on solid waste and sustainability of authors such as Boulding (1966), who introduced the idea of economy as a closed system, and McDonough and Braungart (2002), who proposed the concept of "Cradle to Cradle". In addition, it incorporates Manzini's (2006) perspective of sustainable design, highlighting the relationship between innovation and socio-environmental responsibility. The research adopts a qualitative approach based on Minayo (2016), employing the descriptive and bibliographic methodology of Gil (2010), a comprehensive analysis based on the Weberian perspective (Weber, 1969). Sources include international reports, scientific articles, and institutional documents on waste management and sustainability policies. The results indicate that recycling, when inserted in the circular economy paradigm, not only reduces environmental impacts, but also enhances innovative solutions in sustainable design. It is concluded that the implementation of articulated strategies between the productive sector, public policies and environmental education is fundamental to consolidate a more responsible development model aligned with the principles of global sustainability.