Materials
CircleUp focuses on four key types of household waste: food waste, packaging, electronic waste (e-waste) and textiles. These materials are part of our daily lives—and they make up a significant portion of what we throw away. Each of these streams presents both challenges and exciting opportunities for creating a more circular economy at home.
Our project brings together researchers, households, and communities across Europe to understand current practices and co-develop practical, impactful ways to reduce waste and promote circular living.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Food
 
Food waste makes up a large share of household waste and is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. Most of it is avoidable, making it an ideal focus for behaviour change and practical interventions.
 
- 
Encouraging meal planning, better food storage, and creative cooking 
- 
Offering real-time feedback on food waste amounts 
- 
Using gamified challenges to motivate change 
- 
Promoting community sharing of recipes and tips 
 
Packaging
 
From food wrappers to delivery boxes, packaging is everywhere and often single-use. While some can be recycled, much still ends up in landfills or as litter. It’s a highly visible and familiar waste stream with clear action points.
 
- 
Helping households reduce reliance on single-use packaging 
- 
Promoting sorting and recycling with easy-to-follow guidance 
- 
Introducing reusable and refillable alternatives 
- 
Encouraging reflection on purchasing choices 
 
Textile
 
Clothing and other textiles are bought, used, and thrown away at increasing rates. The fashion industry is resource-intensive, and textile waste is growing fast. Households can make a big difference by changing how they buy, care for, and dispose of clothes.
 
- 
Supporting conscious buying and longer garment use 
- 
Promoting repair, donation, and repurposing of clothes 
- 
Encouraging personal storytelling to strengthen connection to items 
- 
Exploring social trends and emotional drivers of fashion habits 
Electronic waste
 
Electronic items are often discarded while still functional or repairable. E-waste contains both hazardous substances and valuable materials, yet recycling and reuse rates remain low. This stream is crucial for promoting responsible consumption and repair culture.
 
- 
Guiding repair, reuse, and responsible recycling 
- 
Sharing information on product lifespan and upgrade choices 
- 
Raising awareness about environmental impacts of electronics 
- 
Connecting households with local reuse and recycling networks 
 
 
 
