Public Perception of Circular Economy in Bangladesh

Abstract

Moving from linear to circular economy in Bangladesh, requiring public perception which is one of the major driving forces. Public perception can contribute to the implementation of circular economy in Bangladesh. There has been no research on this topic done before. This exploratory, survey-based study of 247 respondents investigates public perception in terms of public awareness and knowledge towards circular economy implementation, using a multiple- choice questionnaire that was designed with three groups of questions: background information, environmental awareness in terms of circular economy implementation, and willingness to share information about the importance of circular economy. Public perceptions of circular economy were evaluated through quantitative analysis and content analysis, which was applied to analysis the robustness of survey results. The study indicates that 98% of the respondents have no idea with the term circular economy. Public awareness of the circular economy concept also has a positive correlation with them at age level and gender differences, such individuals (35%) believing that environmental awareness could support to implement circular economy in Bangladesh. The study results show that 83.7% of total respondents want to reuse second hand product at their home, and 80% respondents want to share information about the importance of circular economy with their family members, neighbours' and alike. This study provides an initial step towards better understanding about why public perception is required to support the process of circular economy implementation in Bangladesh.