Efficient waste management is crucial in maintaining environmental integrity and economic viability, shaped by complex socioeconomic, political, and ecological dynamics. Globally, there is a notable shift towards recycling rather than landfilling, reflecting a growing recognition of sustainability imperatives. The concept of zero waste is gaining traction, emphasizing the urgent need to reduce waste generation and maximize resource recovery. This review explores various established and emerging technologies to recover nutrients from food waste, advancing the practical realization of a zero-waste paradigm. Nutrient recovery from food waste involves three phases: accumulation, extraction, and release. Physicochemical processes, plant-based systems, and microorganisms, such as algae and prokaryotes, play critical roles in nutrient accumulation. Extraction methods include electrodialysis and crystallization, while nutrient release can be achieved through thermochemical and biochemical treatments. Essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, crucial for global agricultural use, are finite resources. Rising costs of inorganic fertilizers and strict discharge regulations have spurred innovation in new technologies. Established methods such as biochar, composting, vermicomposting, composting with biochar, and pyrolysis, as well as emerging approaches like forward osmosis and electrodialysis, show promise in recovering nutrients from food waste sources. With diverse waste management technologies—from landfilling to combustion, incineration, pyrolysis, and gasification—having varying societal and environmental impacts, it is vital to prioritize climate-friendly technologies like composting, biodegradation, and anaerobic decomposition. Concurrent efforts to minimize nonbiodegradable waste generation are essential for fostering a sustainable environment. Furthermore, assessing the environmental footprint of these technologies through methodologies such as life cycle assessment (LCA) is crucial. LCA is a valuable tool for evaluating the ecological efficacy of waste management technologies and guiding the formulation of future policies and strategies. Integrating LCA with other assessment tools holds promise for developing innovative products and processes aligned with sustainability goals.