Waste Management Market Size, Share, Industry, Forecast and outlook (2024-2031)

Global Waste Management Market is Segmented By Waste Type (Industrial Waste, Municipal Solid Waste, E-Waste), By Service (Disposal Service, Collection Service), and By Region (North America, Europe, South America, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa) – Share, Size, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2023-2030

Waste Management Market Size

Global Waste Management Market reached US$ 1.5 trillion in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 1.9 trillion by 2030, growing with a CAGR of 3.0% during the forecast period 2023-2030.

During the forecast period, increasing emphasis on sustainability across various sectors, including waste management, is expected to fuel global waste management market growth. Organizations and governments are adopting sustainable waste management practices to minimize environmental impact, reduce landfill usage, and promote resource conservation. This focus on sustainability drives the demand for advanced waste management solutions.

One of the major trends in recent years has been the maturation of waste-to-energy technology. Many governments are setting up waste energy plants to augment energy generation and ensure proper waste disposal. For example, in June 2023, the Indian state of Telangana announced plans to set up 5 new waste-to-energy plants by December 2024. The plants are expected to generate up to 100 MW of electricity and dispose off 15,000 tons of solid waste. 

Waste Management Market Scope

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Waste Management Market Dynamics

Rise in Global Urbanization and Industrialization

Urbanization and industrialization result in higher population densities and economic activities, leading to a substantial increase in waste generation. Urban areas and industrial zones produce large volumes of waste from households, commercial establishments, construction sites, manufacturing processes, and other sources. The surge in waste generation necessitates the development of efficient waste management systems.

The growth of cities and industrial zones requires the establishment of waste management infrastructure to handle the escalating waste volumes. It includes waste collection networks, transfer stations, recycling facilities, treatment plants, and disposal sites. The adverse impacts on public health and the environment due to rapid urbanization prompts the need for robust waste management practices. Governments recognize the role of proper waste management in maintaining a high quality of life for citizens, thus, driving the implementation of various waste management solutions. 

Increasing Shift Towards Adoption of a Circular Economy

The circular economy aims to minimize waste generation by promoting resource efficiency and closing the material loop. The approach emphasizes reducing the consumption of virgin resources and maximizing the reuse, recycling, and recovery of materials from the waste stream. The shift towards a circular economy drives the demand for waste management solutions in support of these objectives. 

In a circular economy, recycling and resource recovery play a central role. Waste management practices that facilitate the efficient sorting, processing, and recycling of materials become essential. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), a key component of circular economy, is a policy approach that holds producers responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products, including their end-of-life management. The adoption of EPR regulations incentivizes manufacturers to design products that are easier to recycle and promotes their involvement in waste management activities.

Lack of Proper Infrastructure

Modern progress and economic development has led to an exponential growth in waste production. Unfortunately, waste management infrastructure has not adequately developed to handle the growing volume of waste. Inadequate waste collection systems, such as a lack of efficient waste collection routes, insufficient collection bins, and irregular collection schedules, hinder the proper disposal and management of waste. 

Insufficient waste treatment facilities, including recycling plants, composting facilities, and waste-to-energy plants, limit the ability to process waste effectively. Without proper infrastructure, a significant amount of waste ends up in landfills, leading to environmental pollution.

The limited availability of suitable disposal sites, such as sanitary landfills and waste containment facilities, poses challenges for proper waste disposal. In regions where land is scarce or environmental regulations restrict landfill development, finding appropriate disposal sites becomes a significant hurdle. Inadequate disposal options can lead to increased transportation costs.

Waste Management Market Segment Analysis

The global waste management market is segmented based on waste type, service and region.

Municipal Solid Waste has the Highest Share in the Global Market

Municipal solid waste accounts for more than two-thirds of the global waste management market. The World Bank estimates that more than 2.01 billion tons of municipal solid waste is generated every year. Municipal solid waste represents the largest waste stream in terms of volume. The sheer quantity of waste generated globally necessitates robust waste management systems to handle and process this waste effectively.

Effective management of municipal solid waste is crucial for maintaining public health and sanitation standards. Collection and disposal of the waste prevent the accumulation of waste in public spaces, reducing the risk of disease transmission, pest infestations, and unpleasant odors. Proper waste management contributes to clean and healthy living environments for communities. 

Source: DataM Intelligence Analysis (2023)

Waste Management Market Geographical Share

Rapid Population Growth to Propel Market in Asia-Pacific 

Asia-Pacific is expected to account for nearly half of the global waste management market. Asia-Pacific is the most populous region with nearly 4.3 billion people, according to the United Nation Population Fund. The high population of the region is one of the key factors in increasing demand for waste management solutions.  

Asia-Pacific is witnessing rapid industrialization and urbanization particularly in countries such as India and China, which are also the most populous countries globally. It is leading to increased waste generation due to growing populations and economic activities. Many countries in the region have a relatively high population growth rate, thus necessitating the adoption of proper waste management solutions to tackle growing waste volumes. 

Governments across Asia-Pacific are implementing waste management policies and regulations to address environmental concerns and improve waste management practices. For instance, India implemented new E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 with effect from 1st April 2023. The new rules set specific targets for collection and disposal of e-waste.   

Source: DataM Intelligence Analysis (2023)

Waste Management Market Market Companies

The major global players include Veolia, Suez, Waste Management Inc, FCC Environment CEE, Hitachi Zosen Corporation, Clean Harbors, Inc., Covanta Holding Corporation, Biffa Group Limited, Daiseki Co., Ltd and Remondis SE & Co.KG.

COVID Impact Analysis

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a surge in healthcare waste, including personal protective equipment (PPE), medical supplies, and contaminated materials. The increased volume of infectious waste created challenges in its safe handling, storage, and disposal. Waste management systems had to quickly adapt to manage this additional waste stream, ensuring proper treatment and minimizing the risk of spreading infections. 

With the shift to remote work, increased household activities, and changes in consumer behavior, the composition of waste changed during the pandemic. An increase was observed in residential waste, including packaging materials, food waste, and e-commerce-related packaging. On the other hand, commercial and industrial waste decreased significantly due to business closures and reduced economic activity. 

Russia- Ukraine War Impact Analysis

The war between Ukraine and Russia has led created various challenges for the waste management market in Europe. Operations of waste management services in Ukraine have reduced drastically as the war destroyed Ukraine’s infrastructure, including waste management facilities, collection systems and disposal sites.   

Furthermore, according to various international aid organizations, an estimated 8.2 million Ukrainians have fled the country and have sought refuge in Europe. The sudden influx of displaced individuals in western European countries may overwhelm local waste management infrastructure, leading to inadequate waste collection and disposal. 

By Waste Type

• Industrial Waste
• Municipal Solid Waste
• E-Waste

By Service

• Disposal Service
• Collection Service

By Region

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East and Africa

Key Developments

• On March 30, 2023, the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) observed the first international day of zero waste to spread awareness about the growing impact of waste on human health and the global economy.
• In April 2023, the Indian government introduced the plastic waste management rules, a new set of stringent regulations dealing with the collection and disposal of plastic waste. The rules are designed to tackle the growing problem of plastic waste in the country. 
• In March 2023, UAE-based conglomerate Beeah Group signed a partnership with the International Solid Waste Association to collaborate on a new standard for waste recycling.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global waste management market segmentation based on waste type, service and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development. 
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of waste management market-level with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as Excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global waste management market report would provide approximately 50 tables, 46 figures and 180 Pages.

Target Audience 2023

• Waste Disposal Companies
• Government Agencies
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies