Transforming our world by 2030 through achieving substantial reduction in waste generation involves encouraging circular economic practices, including refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose and, finally, recycle. Waste management is a critical global issue mainly affecting the environment, health, and economy by creating harmful pollution, loss of biodiversity, and serious diseases. Modern waste management emphasizes circular economic practices to minimize adverse impacts on the environment. Zero-waste initiatives rely on a combination of strategies to minimize waste generation and promote sustainable practices. Technologies such as recycling, composting, waste-to-energy (WtE) conversion, mechanical biological treatment (MBT), trickling filter processes, as well as aerobic and anaerobic digestion are being implemented to treat the waste generated. Waste provides raw materials for the manufacture of various products and by-products. Organic waste can be composted or digested anaerobically to produce biogas. Agricultural residues can be converted into biochar or bio-based plastics. Plastic waste is recycled or broken down into fuels and chemicals, while textile waste is upcycled. Municipal waste generates energy and recyclables, while wastewater is treated for nutrients or bioenergy. Agro-waste is used to manufacture products like nutraceuticals, biofuels, biofertilizers, and bio-nanoparticles. E-waste materials are processed to recover nanoparticles, alloys, and valuable metals. Waste cooking oil is used to produce bio-products such as lubricants and bio-asphalts. Additionally, conventional products like notebooks and bags are produced by recycling or upcycling various waste materials. Waste valorization creates business opportunities, lowers raw material costs, promotes job creation, reduces pollution, conserves resources, and raises awareness about sustainability. The value of waste as raw materials for many useful products helps promote sustainable lifestyle practices in society.