Exploring barriers in promoting circular economy practices: insights on consumer durable goods in remote and Indigenous communities In Newfoundland and Labrador

Abstract

Consumer durable goods (CDGs), including appliances and electronics, are a major driver of global waste and create challenges for remote and rural communities—both Indigenous and non- Indigenous—due to limited waste management infrastructure. While urban areas have well- established recycling and disposal systems, rural and Indigenous communities lack these resources, accumulating waste that could otherwise be repurposed or recycled. This issue is exacerbated by restricted access to repair services, high transportation costs, and the widespread impact of planned obsolescence. This research examines opportunities and limitations to the adoption of circular economy (CE) principles for CDGs in two Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) communities: Harbour Main, a remote non-Indigenous community, and Conne River, a Mi'kmaq First Nations community. Using a qualitative research approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with community members, garbage collectors, and band council members to understand their waste disposal behaviors, repair and reuse practices, and the economic and cultural factors influencing product lifespan decisions. Using grounded theory, themes were developed through the analysis of primary research data using ATLAS.Ti software. The findings revealed three major categories of barriers: logistical, attitudinal, and cultural, resulting in seven key themes. These include the inaccessibility of repair services, the high costs associated with transportation and repairs, the impact of planned obsolescence, the affordability of new goods compared to repairs, and the decline of TEK in managing waste. Participants also highlighted the need for community-driven initiatives and policy support to improve waste management practices in these regions. By analyzing broader consumption trends at the community-level impacts, this research identifies if there is an opportunity to integrate Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) with CE strategies, adapting resource efficiency, waste reduction, and environmental sustainability. The findings emphasize the need for targeted infrastructure investments and inclusive policies supporting remote and Indigenous communities adopting CE practices. Addressing these challenges is essential for promoting equitable participation in sustainability efforts and enhancing environmental and economic resilience in rural and remote regions