<p>This study offers a comprehensive and structured review of the circular economy, an increasingly prominent framework focused on advancing sustainable models of production and consumption. Emphasizing long-term sustainability, the circular economy aims to enhance resource efficiency and minimize environmental impact by maintaining the continuous circulation of materials and products within the economy. The review explores the core principles, key drivers, and strategic approaches that underpin circular economy implementation across diverse sectors. It also considers the alignment of circular models with broader sustainability goals. A detailed analysis was conducted using data sourced from Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Employing descriptive statistics, bibliographic mapping, and strategic diagrams generated through VOS viewer software, the study presents a clear overview of current trends, research collaborations, and thematic evolutions within the literature. Findings indicate a significant increase in scholarly interest over the past two decades, particularly in areas such as waste management, sustainable production, and resource recovery. Despite this growth, challenges persist in achieving theoretical coherence and definitional clarity. The review places particular emphasis on waste recycling, a critical component of a circular economy that contributes significantly to environmental protection and resource conservation. It highlights key researchers, influential publications, and emerging research themes in recycling from the past twenty years. Based on the analysis, a conceptual framework is proposed to guide future research, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary integration and the creation of unified models. This study aims to inform academic discourse and support practical applications, encouraging innovation and guiding policymakers and industry stakeholders toward more effective circular economy practices.</p>