By 2030, the circular economy will be standard in Rotterdam. But what exactly do we mean by that?
Reduce, re-use and recycle!
In Rotterdam, we handle products and commodities in such a manner that we produce the least possible waste and harmful emissions. Together, we must use better products, with a longer life-cycle, must re-use products wherever possible and must generate new products from ‘waste’. Sometime in the future, waste must no longer exist!
This change is absolutely essential. If the trend is not broken, the demand for a large number of primary raw materials will far exceed supply. With an excessive environmental burden: nature will be damaged, biodiversity lost and greenhouse gases emitted. The extraction of some primary raw materials is extremely unhealthy for people and the planet, while other materials threaten to become depleted. Furthermore, waste substances and emissions are ending up in our living environment.
‘We are making sure that circularity truly is becoming the benchmark.’
Rotterdam is on the way to becoming a waste-free society. To achieve this, the city is moving from a linear economy to a circular economy. Find out how in the Rotterdam Circularity Programme 2019–2023. Or download the PDF.
The circular economy in Rotterdam: opportunities for new jobs in a zero waste economy
Read the report about the research that focused on four key sectors that determine a circular Rotterdam: construction, consumer goods, agri-food and healthcare.
Time to rethink
The road towards the circular economy requires us to rethink and review our attitude towards the city. Alternative earnings models will arise, with a new vision of products and sales. We are gradually finding the best route using the knowledge and inspiration provided by a large number of parties and networks. And together we are accelerating the movement.
Circular glasses
We are working to improve products, reduce waste and change our attitude to waste. We are working to increase the number of jobs related to the circular economy. And, finally, we are viewing our products, services, methodology and the design of the city through circular glasses, to find out how we can do things differently at the forefront.
Together
This is achieved using the typical Rotterdam approach: with courage and with each other. We do so by trying, learning from each other and encouraging and advancing each other. Circularity means searching for new ways to do things together with the people of Rotterdam. In practice, we ensure that new knowledge is made available. We share the results of pilots and studies with each other. Or better still, we implement them together.
Also check out rotterdam.nl/ondernemen
This is the municipality of Rotterdam digital counter for start-up and established entrepreneurs alike. Here, you’ll find all possible information on regulations, permits, taxes, subsidies and legislation which apply to you as a (new) (circular) entrepreneur. The enterprise counter will inform you of the value of circular enterprise, and will recognise and provide support for potentially circular aspects of your plan. Your plan may also be referred for specific support.
Rotterdam has expressed its ambitions in the field of the circular economy. After all, large urban areas offer a perfect opportunity for a circular economy. Although accounting for only a small share of the land surface area, they are responsible for virtually all commodities consumption. This is further enhanced by the port, with all its imports and exports, and industrial consumption of commodities.
Rotterdam aims to be a frontrunner
By 2030, circular will be standard. Rotterdam will be a ‘living laboratory’ in which we experiment, pioneer and embed successes. In which we profile the city and the port as a circular hotspot.
Courage and experimentation
How will we fulfil our ambition? There is no one route to achieving this goal. We will display courage, we will dare to try new things and, in doing so, we will probably make mistakes. We are a Living Lab. And we embrace new ideas. We stand out from the crowd with our experiments, our daring and our persistence when things look promising. We make things possible. A great deal is actually already happening in 010. By businesses, the people of Rotterdam and the municipality. There is an abundance of circular dynamics; just look at the numerous inspirational initiatives in Rotterdam, the incubators and other projects by organisations and companies in our city.
Circular glasses
We are working to reduce waste and change our attitude to waste. We are working to increase the number of jobs related to the circular economy. And, finally, we are viewing our products, services, methodology and the design of the city through circular glasses, to find out how we can do things differently at the forefront. We are striving for a Circular Rotterdam – together.
I am a Rotterdammer
Everyone can work towards the circular city, whether you’re an administrator, entrepreneur or resident. It starts as simple as sorting waste; if you ensure that your household waste is separated for collection, you’re complying with an absolute condition for the circular economy. Why not check out the other initiatives listed on the website? A local business may be selling something really useful to you, or you could even do some volunteering work.
Do you have any plans, questions or suggestions for us? If so, let us know via the contact page.
I’m an entrepreneur/city maker/doer in terms of the circular economy
Well done! We’re looking forward to getting to know you, to see how we can help each other. Please contact us via the contact page.
And also check out www.ondernemen010.nl