Polymer‐Based Recycling Strategies for Plastic Waste: A Comprehensive Review

ABSTRACT Plastic pollution has emerged as one of the most pressing global environmental challenges, affecting ecosystems, human health, and climate through persistent waste accumulation and microplastic formation. This comprehensive review elaborates on recycling techniques based on polymer, including mechanical and chemical recycling, advantages and limitations they pose. Though mechanical recycling is widely applied, diminishing the degradation and contamination of the polymer lowers its effectiveness. Chemical recycling gives material recovery of high quality but needs plenty of energy and money. The new technologies such as AI, nanotechnology, and biodegradable polymers have the possibility of enhancing efficiency and sustainability of recycling. Economic, regulatory, and behavioral barriers exist at large scales. Recycling technologies have to be engineered to develop a circular economy for plastics, politicians need to be robust, and public awareness has to be enhanced. This summary highlights the need for interdisciplinary thinking in order to enhance plastic waste management and provide sustainable solutions for a brighter future.