디지털 기반의 순환경제 폐기물 통계 표준화 방안 연구

Digital-based Approaches to Standardizing Waste Statistics for Circular Economy

As circular economy transitions accelerate, standardized resource circulation statistics that track materials throughout their lifecycle have become critical, yet existing waste statistics have significant limitations due to fragmented collection systems focused on waste generation and treatment volumes. This study analyzes international cases and proposes improvements to Korea's waste statistics system for establishing standardized resource circulation statistics through digital technology. The analysis identified three key improvement areas: 1) developing digital-based material flow and recycling statistics integrated with existing systems; 2) addressing statistical blind spots to ensure data reliability; and 3) evaluating current reporting methods to determine if they support circular economy waste management systems. Specific policy recommendations include 1) assigning unique identification numbers to business entities to integrate waste and economic statistics, 2) redefining waste producers based on circular economy statistical needs, 3) incorporating pre-generation economic activity information beyond discharge and reporting entities, and 4) establishing a conceptual framework for food loss and waste (FLW). These findings provide essential policy foundation for Korea to develop an integrated digital-based resource circulation statistical system supporting effective circular economy transition.