The concepts of waste managementWaste management and circular economyCircular Economy (CE) (CE) form closely linked systems that advance environmentally sustainable strategies for protecting natural resources. Waste managementWaste management focuses on minimizing ecological threats, reducing waste generation, and eliminating waste through practices such as recycling, recovery, and reuse. In contrast, the CE aims to address environmental, economic, and societal issues by promoting the development of sustainable products, minimizing resource use, and optimizing material efficiency. Core principles of CE, such as eliminating waste and pollution, extending the lifespan of products and resources, and restoring natural systems, strongly correspond with the United Nations Sustainable DevelopmentSustainable development GoalsSustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Together, these tenets facilitate a shift from the conventional linear “take–make–dispose” paradigm to an economic framework focused on regeneration and restoration. By embedding circular practices into waste management, societies can create cleaner cities, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and protect terrestrial ecosystems. Ultimately, incorporating both waste managementWaste management and circular economic practices establishes a pathway for advancing numerous SDGs. By aligning these approaches with goals 11, 12, 13, and 15, societies can foster sustainable urban development, combat climate change, ensure responsible resource use, and safeguard terrestrial ecosystems for the health and prosperity of present and succeeding generations.