The New York Circular City Initiative, convened by Freshfields, applies circular thinking to one of the great cities of the world. Its vision is to create the first truly circular urban economy, one that would drive job creation and growth and elevate New York City as a global beacon for sustainability.

This report, supported by Circle Economy, sets out a circularity model for the city that could create over 11,000 new jobs across the income spectrum, deliver over $11bn in economic benefits and reduce waste to zero. This is based on an analysis of more than 50 potential levers that could create circularity in New York. Each was assessed for its impact on jobs, economic growth and the environment.