Towards the circular economy: Analysis of barriers to implementation of Turkey’s zero waste management using the fuzzy DEMATEL method

Zero waste has an important position in the circular economy model in terms of manufacturing recyclable products instead of products to be consumed quickly, reducing the amount of waste, developing and implementing recycling/reuse technologies, and thus ensuring resource efficiency. A zero-waste strategy is one of the basic steps to achieve the goal of the circular economy. The number of studies conducted on Turkey’s zero waste management strategies referring to the circular economy is quite limited. To fill this gap in the literature, this study aims to identify the potential barriers which have an important role in zero waste management practices in Turkey. Through a broad literature review and expert opinions, 12 key barriers for zero waste implementation in Turkey have been defined in view of circular economy principles. Then, fuzzy DEMATEL methodology is employed to examine which is the most influential barrier affecting zero waste management success and to identify the interdependence of these barriers. The results indicate that uncertainty of the goals and tactics relevant to the circular economy and lack of financial and economic aid are key causal barriers that affect Turkey’s zero waste management.