Circular Economy and Core–Periphery Relations: Territorial Inequalities in Waste Management through Agglomeration, Proximity, and Structural Effects
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55845/JYUT2597Keywords:
Waste, Circular Economy, core-periphery model, economic geography, FranceAbstract
This article examines the territorial effects of the circular economy (CE) through the lens of waste management
in France, using the core-periphery model from economic geography. Relying on a unique dataset of 62 million
tons of waste flows (IREP), we combine spatial analysis with regression, gravity and shift-share models.
Results confirm a concentration of high-value recovery operations in urban centres, while disposal operations
remain dominant in rural and peri-urban areas. However, we also highlight emerging complementarities,
including energy and material recovery in small towns and rural areas. These findings prompt a reevaluation
of territorial justice in the transition towards a circular economy.
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