167 Copyright © 2020, IGI Global. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of IGI Global is prohibited. Chapter 9 DOI: 10.4018/978-1-7998-5116-5.ch009 ABSTRACT The chapter focuses on the historical aspect of economic development stages. It identifes agriculture- based, industrial, and post-industrial economies’ characteristics. It is demonstrable that the problem of limited resources, the use of waste from consumption, and production has always existed. However, these problems were solved diferently in diferent historical periods. The accumulated problems can be solved by the transition to a circular economy model. When studying the Russian experience in the transition to a circular economy model, the focus remains on Russian legislation. The example of Russian industrial enterprises shows the practical application of the circular economy principles. The research covers such enterprises as PJSC NK ROSNEFT (which includes PJSC ANK Bashneft, Bashneft-Ufaneftekhim, JSC Novokuibyshevsky Oil Refnery, and JSC Rospan International), PJSC TATNEFT, PJSC MMC Norilsk Nickel, PJSC Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works. The presentation is on strategies, policies, and pro- grams aimed at ensuring industrial safety, labor protections, and the environment. INTRODUCTION The growth of population, which is accompanied by an increase in industrial production, has led to increased consumption of resources. The natural reserves on the planet are depleted. Intensive human economic activities lead to environmental pollution and climate change. The problems listed above make all the countries think about searching for solutions to them. Circular Economy Experience: A Russian Perspective Elena Burdenko https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5073-5062 Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Russia Elena Bykasova https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8503-4645 The Kosygin State University of Russia, Russia