<p>Sludge management advancements and improvements have recently created opportunities to improve efficiency, sustainability, and resource recovery. In this review, we narratively examined the significant developments in sludge management technologies, including the scale-up of advanced treatment methods, regulatory reforms, and the integration of circular economy principles. Notably, the potential for resource recovery, energy production, and material recycling from sludge is emphasized, along with the role of digital technologies and data analytics in optimizing operational efficiency and decision-making. Consequently, developing innovative business models, financing mechanisms, and public-private partnerships to encourage the adoption and scalability of advanced sludge management technologies has become invaluable. Here, a call to action for stakeholders is presented, urging them to prioritize sustainable sludge management practices and highlighting the necessity for collective efforts, investments, and commitments to build a more resilient, circular, and sustainable waste management system. Therefore, we accentuate the transformative potential of recent advances in sludge management and lay the groundwork for future research and implementation initiatives for advancing sustainable waste management practices.</p>