Governance models for residual materials management in circular economy: A decision support tool for local governments

The circular economy offers a sustainable solution to the growing challenge of managing residual materials generated or handled by local governments as part of public services. However, the transition toward circular supply chains involves coordinating responsibilities among multiple stakeholders, thereby requiring local governments to review the current governance model. Thus, this study proposes a decision support tool that enables local governments to select the most appropriate governance model for the circular management of residual materials. Structured around an evaluation grid, the tool provides three key contributions: i) the conceptualization of five governance model options, ii) the definition of 13 performance criteria, and iii) the identification of six specific conditions. In addition to insights from the literature, a focus group of experts contributed to the definition and validation of the criteria and specific conditions. The decision support tool was successfully applied to a case study on the reuse of spring street sweepings in winter road maintenance. • This study proposes a decision-support tool developed for local governments. • Five governance models for residual materials management are conceptualized. • A literature review and a focus group defined 13 criteria and six specific conditions. • The tool enables the selection of the most appropriate model for a circular supply chain. • The tool was applied to a case study on the reuse of spring street sweepings.