Mapping the Circular Economy of Western Australia: Towards a Science-based Circular Observatory

The circular economy is widely recognised as an effective model for mitigating waste production, preserving the functionality of resources and reducing dependencies on virgin materials. Transitioning Western Australia from a linear “take-make-waste” model to a circular economy is essential for achieving emission targets, reducing environmental impact, and generating economic value while maintaining people’s quality of life. While there is significant promise of resource efficiency gains, economic diversification, job growth and innovation, the implementation of a circular economy at multiple scales is inherently complex, highlighting the need for an evidence-based, system-wide approach that goes beyond current waste management strategies.

We take a system-wide approach, focussing on several core aspects of a circular economy—resource inflows, built stocks and waste outflows—at the State, Greater Perth and municipal level. We evaluate WA’s capacity for circularity, the policy landscape, data and conceptual gaps and highlight key opportunities towards greater circularity and emission reduction across sectors and geographical scales. Finally, we outline a pathway towards a consistent, multi-scale indicator framework for building cross-sector capacity, and monitoring and driving circular outcomes.