Bochum has undergone profound transformations in recent decades: from the end of hard coal mining and the departure of the Opel plant to its repositioning as a city of knowledge and higher education. These shifts were actively managed and have opened up new prospects for the local economy and the urban community. However, the next major challenge—the transition to a circular economy—still lies ahead, particularly regarding sustainable material flow management.

The "Circular City Bochum" project aims to develop a circular economy hub as an integrated solution for regional circular management. Designed for a university setting, this hub will be tested using three specific material streams generated on campus: residual waste, workshop waste (e.g., metal shavings, powders, plastics, packaging waste, and offcuts), and e-waste from laboratories, workshops, and offices. The insights gained and solutions developed are intended to be scaled up to other stakeholders and sectors across Bochum.