Purpose <p>To address the critical gap in understanding ceramic waste as a precursor for alkali-activated concrete and mortar, in response to the cement industry’s significant environmental impact through CO₂ emissions and raw material consumption which has driven research toward sustainable alternatives like alkali-activated materials.</p> Methods <p>A comprehensive review synthesizing findings from numerous investigations on ceramic waste-based alkali-activated materials, analysing the complex interaction between ceramic waste composition, activator chemistry, and resulting material properties through examination of fresh properties, mechanical strength development, durability characteristics, and microstructural evolution.</p> Results <p>Ceramic waste-based alkali-activated materials can achieve mechanical properties comparable to or exceeding those of traditional cement systems, with compressive strengths over 70 MPa under optimal conditions. Key challenges identified include variability in waste composition, optimization of activator formulations, and the need for long-term durability assessments. Advanced characterization techniques have provided insights into reaction mechanisms and phase development, while emerging research explores hybrid systems combining ceramic waste with other precursors to optimize performance.</p> Conclusion <p>This comprehensive comparative review provides a critical assessment of the current state of knowledge and a roadmap for future investigations, contributing to the development of more sustainable construction practices and the circular economy in the built environment.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>