A circular economy is a simple idea: instead of using things once and throwing them away, we keep using them for as long as possible. When something breaks, we fix it. When we no longer need something, we share it, donate it, or recycle it so it can be used again. The goal is to reduce waste and make better use of the resources we already have.
Opportunities for involvement in circular economy action planning will be posted here.
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In the future, we will be seeking feedback on drafts of the Circular Economy Action Plan. Information will appear here.
A circular economy is a simple idea: instead of using things once and throwing them away, we keep using them for as long as possible. When something breaks, we fix it. When we no longer need something, we share it, donate it, or recycle it so it can be used again. The goal is to reduce waste and make better use of the resources we already have.
What does this look like in everyday life?
In daily life, a circular economy can look like swapping clothes instead of buying new ones, repairing electronics instead of replacing them, composting food scraps, or borrowing tools rather than owning items you rarely use. These actions help save money, reduce trash, and keep useful materials out of landfills.
How does this help Ann Arbor and its residents?
For the City of Ann Arbor, a circular economy helps reduce landfill waste, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and support local reuse and repair efforts. For residents, it makes sustainable choices easier, more affordable, and more accessible. By keeping materials in use longer, the city and its community can work together to meet sustainability goals while supporting a healthier environment and local economy.
The City of Ann Arbor supports circular economy practices through programs such as clothing swaps, electronics recycling and refurbishing, curbside composting, and other initiatives that help materials stay in their best and highest use.
To learn more about the circular economy in Ann Arbor, visit: a2gov.org/circulareconomy
If you’re interested in learning more about circular economy concepts, these resources are a great place to start:
The A2ZERO Carbon Neutrality Plan is the city's vision, framework, and associated actions for a just and equitable transition to carbon neutrality, community-wide by the year 2030. Strategy 5, action 4 of the A2ZERO Carbon Neutrality Plan is to “Move Towards a Circular Economy.” To achieve this goal, the Office of Sustainability and Innovations is now working with Ann Arbor residents, businesses, institutions, and subject matter experts to create concrete steps to elevate the current circular economy networks in Ann Arbor and expand upon them to build a flourishing local circular economy.
NextCycle Michigan is a Circular Economy Accelerator program that supports circular economy initiatives, including Ann Arbor’s Circular Economy Action Planning.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) provides the funding for NextCycle projects.
Guy O. Williams & Associates, L.L.C. worked with the City of Ann Arbor on the resident engagement phase of this project and completed the A2ZERO Circular Economy Resident Engagement Report.
Resident Advisors participated in Resident Advisory Committee meetings with Guy O. Williams & Associates, L.L.C. to provide input and ideas for the action planning process. These individuals were supported the collection of survey responses from the wider Ann Arbor community.
Kittali-Weidner L.L.C. is currently working with the City on Business and Institutional Engagement, as well as the final Circular Economy Action Plan.
Many people and entities across Ann Arbor and beyond have helped shape this project. You can find opportunities to be involved too by visiting the “get involved” section of this page!
Thank you to everyone who has supported this project along the way.
Click here to view the A2ZERO Circular Economy Resident Engagement Report, completed by Guy O. Williams and Associates for the City of Ann Arbor.
The Business and Institutional Engagement Report and the Circular Economy Action Plan are currently being created. Drafts of the final Action Plan that are available for public comment will appear in the “get involved” section of this site.
