The recent focus on waste-centered resource circulation reveals limitations in ensuring sustainability across entire lifecycles and industries. This has led to the introduction of the circular economy as an alternative approach that focuses on establishing a supply chain in which products are recirculated for sustainable production. The current waste management system, which emphasizes the efficient use and proper disposal of waste, is in stark contrast to this suggesting a need for alignment with the circular economy. However, this will require examining the two systems’ compatibility and identifying necessary improvements. Therefore, this study investigates the principles of implementing a circular economy and the elements needed for its realization. Focusing on whether the current waste management system can implement these principles, it derives the necessary system improvements. The analysis indicates that first, a revision of the waste management principles is needed to distinguish between waste and products and to encourage recycling. Second, managing waste as a resource at the material flow level and providing detailed classification and recycling codes are essential. Thirdly, the introduction of an advanced producer responsibility (APR) system is necessary, enhancing producer responsibility in the extended producer responsibility (EPR) system.

[Key Words] Resource Circulation, Circular Economy, Waste Management, 10R, Material Flow