The increasing consumption of natural resources has accentuated the interdependence between the economic and environmental systems. Among the most serious problems facing humanity today are the rapid depletion of natural resources and the pollution of the planet. One of the solutions for these problems is the implementation of the circular economy. This type of economy presupposes the existence of a continuous cycle of production and reuse of natural resources. Objectives. To reveal the essence of circular economy, its social impact and its implementation problems and development perspectives. To submit solutions that could favor the implementation of the circular economy. 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, the historical method, etc. Results. In this study we found that there is a significant social impact of the circular economy. The circular economy confronts several problems. Some of the problems related to the implementation of the circular economy and barriers that prevent both the implementation and the proper functioning of the circular economy have been identified. Among them: the insufficiency of information about the circular economy, the insufficient involvement of state institutions in the process of implementation of the circular economy, the civic passivity of citizens. Several solutions have been proposed to overcome these problems. Conclusions. The implementation of the circular economy has a beneficial impact on society. The shift to a circular economy has such benefits as: reducing pressure on the environment; protecting the raw material; increased competition; encouraging innovation, minimizing waste. The realization of these benefits will contribute to the acceleration of social and economic development.