The Global South grapples with unique waste management challenges exacerbated by rapid urbanisation, limited resources, and socio-economic disparities. Meanwhile, the Global North is in a crisis with dealing with increased consumption practices resulting in waste generation of different materials. This chapter critically examines the multifaceted nature of waste management and the transformative potential of circular economies. It begins by exploring the history and conceptualisation of waste, providing a foundation for understanding how waste has been perceived and managed over time. The chapter then examines Rostow’s model in the context of waste management, offering insights into how economic development stages influence waste management practices and circular economies. Multidisciplinary perspectives are introduced to highlight the diverse approaches to studying waste, emphasising the importance of integrating knowledge from various fields. The chapter further investigates the complexities of waste challenges by mapping elements of wicked problems, illustrating the intricate and often intractable nature of waste-related issues. It discusses a transformative paradigm shift from a linear model to a circular economy, emphasising the benefits and challenges of this transition. Within this paradigm, the discourses of sustainability and circular economy are explored, along with their interconnectedness and critical perspectives. A systems-thinking approach is advocated for waste management and the circular economy, emphasising the importance of viewing waste as part of a larger, interconnected system. The chapter also maps waste management and circular economy practices with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), discussing their synergies and trade-offs, and offers an opportunity to reflect beyond 2030. The conclusion synthesises the insights gained throughout the chapter, offering a comprehensive understanding of the transformative potential of circular economies in addressing waste challenges.