Waste Management

The waste management industry is crucial as it protects not only human health but also the environment. However, rising populations, consumerism, economic growth, and increased urbanization have seen global waste generation soar. On average, roughly two billion metric tons of waste are generated each year, and this is expected to grow over the coming decades, putting increased pressure on the waste sector. The growing concern over waste pollution has only highlighted the importance and need for an efficient waste management infrastructure worldwide.

The waste management industry is responsible for the segregation, collection, transportation, recycling, and disposal of waste. It is segmented into three main waste types: industrial, hazardous, and municipal solid waste. These segments cover a wide range of materials, from food and plastic packaging to chemicals and electronics.

Market size

The global waste management market continues to grow

Market size of waste management worldwide in 2022, with forecasts until 2030 (in billion U.S. dollars)

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Further details: Visit original statistic Market size of waste management worldwide in 2022, with forecasts until 2030 (in billion U.S. dollars)

The global waste management industry is one of the most important in the world, and had a market value estimated at 1.6 trillion U.S. dollars in 2020. The market is expected to experience considerable growth in the coming decade, to reach a value of 2.5 trillion U.S. dollars by 2030. The growth in the market can be attributed to several scenarios, such as improved waste collection, and increasing waste volumes in emerging markets.

Global waste generation
Waste management in the U.S.
Waste management in Europe

Market segments

Recycling

Municipal solid waste recycling rates in selected countries worldwide in 2021

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Further details: Visit original statistic Municipal solid waste recycling rates in selected countries worldwide in 2021

With the volume of global waste generated set to grow in the coming decades – and with it the environmental impact of mismanaged waste – waste recycling is now more important than ever. However, recycling rates in many countries remain far lower than is needed. In the U.S., one of the world’s largest waste-producing countries, the recycling rate was lower than 35 percent, according to most recent data. The sector faces many challenges, such as high process costs and a lack of standardization.

Global recycling services market size
Recycling in the United States
Recycling in Japan

Industry trends

Smart technology to play a key role in waste management

Smart waste management market size worldwide in 2022, with a forecast from 2023 to 2030 (in million U.S. dollars)

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Further details: Visit original statistic Smart waste management market size worldwide in 2022, with a forecast from 2023 to 2030 (in million U.S. dollars)

The global waste management industry needs to adapt to the ever-growing amounts of waste produced worldwide, as current systems struggle to cope. One way in which the waste management sector aims to become more efficient and sustainable is the increased adoption of smart technologies, including monitoring and tracking technologies. In 2020, the global smart waste management market was estimated at 1.56 billion U.S. dollars and was expected to surpass 4 billion dollars by 2027.

Smart waste management market size in the U.S.
Internet of Things (IoT)

Industry leaders

Largest waste management companies

Revenue of selected major waste management companies worldwide in FY 2022 (in billion U.S. dollars)

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Further details: Visit original statistic Revenue of selected major waste management companies worldwide in FY 2022 (in billion U.S. dollars)

The largest waste management company in the world is Veolia. The France-based multinational water and waste giant completed the acquisition of its former rival Suez in 2022. Many of the world’s largest waste management companies operate within the United States. The largest U.S.-based waste management company is aptly named Waste Management Inc, reporting a revenue of roughly 18 billion U.S. dollars for the fiscal year 2021.

Waste Management Inc.
Veolia
Leading waste management companies in the U.S.

State of the industry

  • Waste Management Inc.
  • Global Water Supply, Sewerage, Waste Management & Remediation Activities – Industry Insights & Data Analysis
  • Electronic waste worldwide
  • Battery recycling worldwide
  • Recycling in Japan
  • Recycling in the U.S.
  • Waste management in Europe
  • Household waste in England

Industry Definition

The waste management category provides statistics and reports on all aspects related to the municipal, commercial, and industrial waste segments. These include topics such as waste generation, waste collection, treatment, and disposal, as well as waste pollution.

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