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Abstract
The United States is a major contributor to global plastic pollution, with rural communities disproportionately affected by environmental impacts. There are goals to increase recycling rates. Studies show that rural recycling is challenging because of low population densities, limited resources, and lack of economies of scale. Despite these barriers, there is a gap in rural recycling research and literature in the US. This project characterizes rural circularity by conducting a Circularity Assessment Protocol (CAP) in three rural communities within the US EPA Region 4: Tifton, Georgia; Cherokee County, North Carolina; and Georgetown County, South Carolina. The data from each CAP category was analyzed to identify opportunities to improve recycling as part of circularity. Findings compare circularity across the cohort and highlight shared challenges and opportunities to strengthen rural recycling and make it resilient.