Circular economy presupposes the existence of a continuous cycle of production and reuse of natural resources. Objectives. We set out to reveal the benefits that the circular economy has for society and to identify the barriers that stand in front of the implementation of the circular economy both throughout the world and in the Republic of Moldova. Research methods. During the research, the following methods were used: systemic analysis, synthesis, comparison, generalization, the method of moving from the abstract to the concrete, etc. Results. The benefits of the circular economy for social development were revealed. Several barriers have been identified that stand in the way of implementing the circular economy: institutional, economic, social and cultural. Among them: the insufficiency of information about the circular economy and its lack of dissemination for citizens, the persistence of outdated norms and principles, the insufficient involvement of state institutions in the process of implementing the circular economy, the civic passivity of citizens. Several solutions have been proposed to overcome these barriers. Conclusions. The benefits of the circular economy for society are inestimable. The full awareness of these benefits, the removal or mitigation of the barriers that stand in front of the implementation of the circular economy will constitute a beneficial support for social and economic development.