The societal importance of plastics is highlighted, but their disposal is often careless, posing risks to the climate, human health, and global ecosystems. Recycling is crucial for transitioning to a more sustainable circular economy. Chemical depolymerization offers a route to virgin-quality recycled plastics, especially for complex waste streams that mechanical methods struggle with. This review explores recent progress in depolymerizing five commercial polymers: poly(ethylene terephthalate), polycarbonates, polyamides, aliphatic polyesters, and polyurethanes. It also discusses the interrelationship between chemical depolymerization and other recycling technologies, as well as systemic constraints imposed by the global economy. Novel polymers designed for chemical depolymerization are reviewed, focusing on their chemistry and potential integration into current plastic systems. The review emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to recycling technologies, considering how depolymerization can integrate with current and future waste systems to maintain polymers in the highest value condition with the lowest input energy.The societal importance of plastics is highlighted, but their disposal is often careless, posing risks to the climate, human health, and global ecosystems. Recycling is crucial for transitioning to a more sustainable circular economy. Chemical depolymerization offers a route to virgin-quality recycled plastics, especially for complex waste streams that mechanical methods struggle with. This review explores recent progress in depolymerizing five commercial polymers: poly(ethylene terephthalate), polycarbonates, polyamides, aliphatic polyesters, and polyurethanes. It also discusses the interrelationship between chemical depolymerization and other recycling technologies, as well as systemic constraints imposed by the global economy. Novel polymers designed for chemical depolymerization are reviewed, focusing on their chemistry and potential integration into current plastic systems. The review emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to recycling technologies, considering how depolymerization can integrate with current and future waste systems to maintain polymers in the highest value condition with the lowest input energy.