Systemic Design for Complex Ecosystems: Advancing Circular Airport Waste Strategies

Elisabeth Tschavgova; Sonja van Dam; Conny Bakker; Jo van Engelen; Rita Jonyer

doi:10.55845/joce-2026-3592

Authors

Elisabeth Tschavgova Delft University of Technology, Industrial Design Department, Landbergstraat 15 2628 CE Delft, The Netherlands Author https://orcid.org/0009-0007-4008-4738
Sonja van Dam Delft University of Technology, Industrial Design Department, Landbergstraat 15 2628 CE Delft, The Netherlands Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6931-3513
Conny Bakker Delft University of Technology, Industrial Design Department, Landbergstraat 15 2628 CE Delft, The Netherlands Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9982-8788
Jo van Engelen Delft University of Technology, Industrial Design Department, Landbergstraat 15 2628 CE Delft, The Netherlands Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8302-0722
Rita Jonyer Avinor AS, Postboks 150, 2061 Gardermoen, Norway Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55845/joce-2026-3592

Keywords:

Green Transitions, Systemic Design, Circular Economy, Waste Management, Airports, Action Research

Abstract

Airports, as high-density public ecosystems, face significant challenges in adopting circular waste management practices due to complex stakeholder dynamics and logistical constraints.

This study employs a local waste hub integrated with a Pay-As-You-Throw approach as a systemic design intervention to enhance waste separation in the residual waste stream at Oslo Airport. By applying systemic design principles, the intervention addressed interconnected behavioural, organisational, and infrastructural factors to advance circularity. A one-month pilot, involving seven commercial units, tested the intervention using mixed-method data collection.

Results demonstrated a measurable reduction in incorrect waste disposal within residual waste streams, alongside heightened employee awareness toward waste separation. The study underscores the potential of context-based interventions to advance circular practices in complex environments, and delivers an empirical study that offers actionable, real-world insights for advancing sustainable waste management in similar high-density ecosystems, such as shopping malls and train stations.

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