The need for sustainable waste management systems in the construction industry (CI) continues to grow as environmental sustainability becomes essential for global development. Despite the efforts to improve solid waste management in CI, its continuous increase in waste generation leads to significant environmental, social, and economic challenges, particularly through landfilling. While circular economy (CE) solutions have potential in addressing issues surrounding construction demolition waste, their implementations are currently not being used frequently most especially in developing economies due to barriers related to social acceptance and lack of comprehensive empirical studies. Therefore, this study aims to bridge these gaps by conducting (1) a scientometric analysis of the existing literatures using VOSviewer, (2) followed by a systematic literature review to identify and synthesize the barriers to Circular Economy (CE) implementation in the construction sectors. The findings identify critical barriers including economical barriers, sociocultural barriers, inadequate technological infrastructures, inadequate regulatory framework. This holistic insight into the critical factors that hinder CE implementation in sustainable solid waste management contributes to the existing literature by identifying the common critical barriers facing the implementation of CE in the construction industry. Ultimately, the study provides a basis for future research aimed at supporting the global Sustainable Development Goals in managing construction demolition waste in developing economies.