There is the idea of a laser broom [1], a ground-based system for pushing debris into more elliptical orbits that bring them closer to Earth at perigee.
It might not be feasible for political reasons; I imagine most designs would also be excellent tools for disabling satellites, thus could start a space arms race. (Both China and the US have blown up satellites, but both were done with anti-satellite missiles; lasers might be more useful for starting a disastrous space war.)