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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