TRADE IN WASTE IN THE GLOBAL CIRCULAR ECONOMY: CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS

Abstract

This article investigates the role of international waste trade in the development of the global circular economy and the formation of cross-border value chains. The purpose is to analyze how the circulation of secondary materials, including plastics, electronic waste, and scrap metal, contributes to resource efficiency, economic benefits, and environmental sustainability, while identifying the main challenges and opportunities for integrating these flows into circular economic models. The relevance is driven by the increasing global demand for sustainable production systems, the growing importance of recycling infrastructure, and the need to minimize environmental pressures caused by unmanaged waste. The research methodology combines systemic analysis, comparative evaluation, and policy assessment, allowing for a structured examination of current trends in international waste trade, including the changing geography of material flows and the strengthening of international regulatory frameworks. The study evaluates the influence of global agreements, such as the Basel Convention, updated OECD rules, and the new EU Waste Shipment Regulation, on the governance of transboundary waste flows. The results demonstrate that effective management of waste trade enhances resource recovery, supports the development of recycling infrastructure, and increases the economic value of secondary materials. Simultaneously, the research identifies critical barriers, including insufficient national monitoring systems, underdeveloped recycling facilities, and regulatory gaps that may impede the integration of countries, such as Ukraine, into global circular value chains. The study highlights the necessity of strengthening legal frameworks, investing in recycling technologies, and implementing digital tracking systems to ensure transparent, safe, and economically effective waste trade. The practical significance of the article lies in providing guidance for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and international organizations on improving the governance of cross-border waste flows, optimizing secondary material use, and fostering sustainable and resilient circular economic practices at both national and global levels.