Polyamides (PAs) are important engineering plastics with high mechanical strength, rigidity, and thermal resistance. However, their increasing production has led to significant environmental pollution, particularly microplastics. This review discusses the recycling and degradation of polyamides, including chemical, mechanical, and energy recovery methods, as well as thermal oxidation, photooxidation, and enzyme degradation. The synthesis mechanisms of polyamides are analyzed to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of different treatment methods, aiming to develop more environmentally friendly and economical solutions. The review highlights the challenges in degrading high-molecular-weight polyamides and explores the potential of bio-based polyamides, enzyme-assisted degradation, and sustainable synthesis methods. Current recycling methods include monomer recovery (e.g., pyrolysis, hydrolysis), reprocessing (e.g., mechanical recycling), energy recovery (e.g., incineration), and conversion to other chemical raw materials (e.g., ammonolysis, alcoholysis). However, these methods face technical and economic challenges. Energy recovery through incineration is inefficient and produces harmful emissions, while mechanical recycling leads to performance degradation. Chemical recycling methods such as alkaline hydrolysis, acidic hydrolysis, hydrothermal reaction, and pyrolysis under alkali catalysis show promise but have high costs or limited efficiency. Microwave-assisted hydrolysis and ammonolysis offer new approaches for degrading polyamides but require further optimization. Environmental degradation methods, such as thermal oxidative degradation, are also explored. The review emphasizes the need for sustainable solutions to address polyamide pollution, including the development of biodegradable polyamides and improved recycling technologies.Polyamides (PAs) are important engineering plastics with high mechanical strength, rigidity, and thermal resistance. However, their increasing production has led to significant environmental pollution, particularly microplastics. This review discusses the recycling and degradation of polyamides, including chemical, mechanical, and energy recovery methods, as well as thermal oxidation, photooxidation, and enzyme degradation. The synthesis mechanisms of polyamides are analyzed to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of different treatment methods, aiming to develop more environmentally friendly and economical solutions. The review highlights the challenges in degrading high-molecular-weight polyamides and explores the potential of bio-based polyamides, enzyme-assisted degradation, and sustainable synthesis methods. Current recycling methods include monomer recovery (e.g., pyrolysis, hydrolysis), reprocessing (e.g., mechanical recycling), energy recovery (e.g., incineration), and conversion to other chemical raw materials (e.g., ammonolysis, alcoholysis). However, these methods face technical and economic challenges. Energy recovery through incineration is inefficient and produces harmful emissions, while mechanical recycling leads to performance degradation. Chemical recycling methods such as alkaline hydrolysis, acidic hydrolysis, hydrothermal reaction, and pyrolysis under alkali catalysis show promise but have high costs or limited efficiency. Microwave-assisted hydrolysis and ammonolysis offer new approaches for degrading polyamides but require further optimization. Environmental degradation methods, such as thermal oxidative degradation, are also explored. The review emphasizes the need for sustainable solutions to address polyamide pollution, including the development of biodegradable polyamides and improved recycling technologies.