Between refuse and recycle: asymmetric polarization in circular economy representations

Florian Fizaine (), Guillaume Le Borgne () and Gregory Chatel ()
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Florian Fizaine: IREGE - Institut de Recherche en Gestion et en Economie - USMB [Université de Savoie] [Université de Chambéry] - Université Savoie Mont Blanc
Guillaume Le Borgne: UMR MoISA - Montpellier Interdisciplinary center on Sustainable Agri-food systems (Social and nutritional sciences) - Cirad - Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement - IRD - Institut de Recherche pour le Développement - CIHEAM-IAMM - Centre International de Hautes Etudes Agronomiques Méditerranéennes - Institut Agronomique Méditerranéen de Montpellier - CIHEAM - Centre International de Hautes Études Agronomiques Méditerranéennes - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement - Institut Agro Montpellier - Institut Agro - Institut national d'enseignement supérieur pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et l'environnement, IREGE - Institut de Recherche en Gestion et en Economie - USMB [Université de Savoie] [Université de Chambéry] - Université Savoie Mont Blanc
Gregory Chatel: EDYTEM - Environnements, Dynamiques et Territoires de Montagne - USMB [Université de Savoie] [Université de Chambéry] - Université Savoie Mont Blanc - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - Fédération OSUG - Observatoire des Sciences de l'Univers de Grenoble

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Abstract: The concept of the circular economy (CE) has gained increasing prominence over the past decade, yet its meaning remains ambiguous and often diverges from the original vision of early CE pioneers. Understanding how this ambiguity shapes public perceptions is critical for the effective design and implementation of CE policies. Drawing on a survey of 1281 respondents in France, this study examines individuals' familiarity with CE, their spontaneous definitions, and their prioritization of circular strategies using the 5R hierarchy (refuse, reduce, reuse, repair, recycle). The results reveal a strong and asymmetric polarization of CE representations, structured around the acceptance or rejection of the refuse (sufficiency) lever. Recycling and reuse dominate spontaneous definitions, while reuse and recycling are prioritized when respondents explicitly rank CE levers. By contrast, refuse remains marginal despite its central role in strong circularity approaches. Socio-economic characteristics do not robustly explain this polarization. However, respondents whose preferences align more closely with strong circularity—consistent with the pioneers' vision—report higher levels of pro-environmental behaviors and stronger support for CE-related public policies. These findings highlight a persistent gap between weak and strong circularity representations and suggest important implications for CE communication strategies and public policymaking.

Keywords: Sufficiency; Perception; Recycling; 5R; Ranking; Circular economy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026-07
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Published in Journal of Cleaner Production, 2026, 571, pp.148801. ⟨10.1016/j.jclepro.2026.148801⟩

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05682944

DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2026.148801

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