Legal Considerations for a Circular Economy

The legal aspects of circular economy have until recently been subject to only minimal analysis. This is partly due to the absence of specific legal frameworks; what does exist has been exhortatory and ultimately unenforceable. Moves towards imposing legal obligations are growing, and thus the need for deep and broad legal analysis becomes imperative. This chapter outlines some of the legal issues that will need to be considered in any moves towards circular economy. There is a focus on the importance of property and ownership, as well as a critical examination of the limited extent of academic work in this area. The need to reduce and remove potential contradictions between different legal regimes is highlighted.