The collection and recycling of plastic waste are very important for the prevention of environmental pollution and the fight against climate change. System dynamics confirms its important role as a tool for modelling the consequences of the application of various regulatory measures. Therefore, the paper deals with the application of simulation modeling of plastic packaging waste recycling based on system dynamics. The main goal of the paper is to find out whether it is appropriate to use simulation methods, including system dynamics, to develop regulatory policy in the area of plastic waste management. The authors used a systematic approach to understand the plastics market and its role in the economic system and the potential impact of simulation modelling on policy formulation in relation to sustainable development. The authors also used a big data approach whereby literature was identified using specialized databases. The authors drew conclusions on the extent to which system dynamics can serve as a tool for long-term policy making in the field of plastic waste management.