Abstract
Plastic waste accumulation has become a critical environmental and technological challenge, particularly for developing economies with rapidly growing consumption and limited recycling infrastructure [1, 2]. This paper presents a comprehensive review of environmental impacts of plastic pollution, modern waste management technologies, and circular economy approaches with a focus on their applicability in Kazakhstan. The study identifies systemic barriers and proposes practical pathways for transitioning from a linear model toward circular resource use. The results highlight that coordinated technological, environmental, and policy measures are essential for improving resource efficiency and supporting sustainable development.