Circular economy approach to promote sustainable energy from waste

• WtE supports the circular economy by transforming waste into renewable energy resources. • Anaerobic digestion and incineration are the best WtE technologies in terms of circular economy. • Integration of Circular Economy principles into MCDM–LCA framework for WtE assessment. • Guidance for technology adoption and policymaking in diverse regional contexts. The Waste-to-Energy (WtE) conversion offers both environmental and economic benefits, with innovative circular economy approaches providing strong solutions for a sustainable future. The current review presents a comprehensive evaluation of the circular economy based on waste-to-energy technologies, considering the opportunities and challenges of both conventional and emerging approaches. Moreover, various studies on Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) Models and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) were compiled to enhance the understanding of their applications within the circular economy framework concerning the conversion of feedstocks to valuable products and energy by three main methods: biochemical, chemical, and thermochemical. Although the use of these methods has grown in various countries in recent years, it has not yet reached the set targets. However, ongoing investigations and incentives are expected to lead to broader adoption in the future years. Building on this foundation, the present study advances the field by introducing an integrated evaluation framework that emphasizes the interconnectedness of environmental, economic, and energy (3E) dimensions in WtE systems. While earlier research has primarily explored MCDM and LCA methods separately, this study bridges that gap by demonstrating their combined potential to address complex trade-offs in technology assessment. In doing so, it not only enhances methodological rigor but also offers practical guidance for aligning WtE strategies with circular economy objectives. The framework aims to support more robust decision-making processes and contribute to the development of sustainable and circular resource management policies.