This review thoroughly examines the mechanical recycling of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composites (CFRPCs), a critical area for sustainable material management. CFRPCs are widely used in high-performance applications such as aerospace, transportation, and energy, making effective recycling methods essential for addressing environmental and economic issues. Mechanical recycling stands out for its low energy consumption and minimal environmental impact. The paper reviews current mechanical recycling techniques, highlighting their benefits in terms of energy efficiency and material recovery, while also pointing out challenges such as the degradation of mechanical properties due to fiber damage and difficulties in achieving strong interfacial adhesion in recycled composites. A novel aspect of this review is the use of finite element analysis (FEA) to predict the behavior of recycled CFRPCs, showing the potential of recycled fibers to preserve structural integrity and performance. The review emphasizes the need for more research to develop standardized mechanical recycling protocols for CFRPCs that enhance material properties, optimize recycling processes, and assess environmental impacts thoroughly. By combining experimental and numerical studies, the review identifies knowledge gaps and suggests future research directions, aiming to advance the development of sustainable, efficient, and economically viable CFRPC recycling methods. The insights from this review could significantly benefit the circular economy by reducing waste and enabling the reuse of valuable carbon fibers in new composite materials.This review thoroughly examines the mechanical recycling of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composites (CFRPCs), a critical area for sustainable material management. CFRPCs are widely used in high-performance applications such as aerospace, transportation, and energy, making effective recycling methods essential for addressing environmental and economic issues. Mechanical recycling stands out for its low energy consumption and minimal environmental impact. The paper reviews current mechanical recycling techniques, highlighting their benefits in terms of energy efficiency and material recovery, while also pointing out challenges such as the degradation of mechanical properties due to fiber damage and difficulties in achieving strong interfacial adhesion in recycled composites. A novel aspect of this review is the use of finite element analysis (FEA) to predict the behavior of recycled CFRPCs, showing the potential of recycled fibers to preserve structural integrity and performance. The review emphasizes the need for more research to develop standardized mechanical recycling protocols for CFRPCs that enhance material properties, optimize recycling processes, and assess environmental impacts thoroughly. By combining experimental and numerical studies, the review identifies knowledge gaps and suggests future research directions, aiming to advance the development of sustainable, efficient, and economically viable CFRPC recycling methods. The insights from this review could significantly benefit the circular economy by reducing waste and enabling the reuse of valuable carbon fibers in new composite materials.