Exploring Barriers in Promoting Circular Economy of Consumer Durable Goods in Remote and Indigenous Communities in Newfoundland and Labrador

Consumer durable goods (CDGs), including large appliances and electronics, substantially contribute to global waste generation. Managing CDGs waste in rural and remote communities encounters challenges like, lack of access to repair services, recycling programs, and sustainable disposal options. This study explores the implementation of circular economy (CE) as a strategy for two remote and rural communities (Indigenous and non-Indigenous) of Newfoundland and Labrador (Canada) and examine the barriers to implementing CE. The study also examined the challenge of implementing CE practices in the communities despite their alignment with sustainability principles, a qualitative approach rooted in traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) that considers the voices of these communities in CDG design with CE principles was explored. Semi-structured interviews were conducted covering areas of waste disposal behaviors, repair and reuse practices, economic and cultural influences on product lifespan decisions, and the role of TEK in sustainable waste management. The study emphasised significant barriers to adopting CE principles in remote and Indigenous communities by incorporating community voices and identified opportunities to incorporate TEK into local-scale waste management practices. Findings from both Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants highlight the gap between circular intent and systemic feasibility, with high repair costs, a lack of local recycling or waste diversion services, and limited infrastructure being the key barriers to CE engagement. The findings underscored the critical need for targeted infrastructure investments such as those aimed at improving waste management, repair accessibility, and recycling capabilities in remote and Indigenous communities, coupled with policy reforms tailored to the specific requirements.