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Solid Waste Management Market Size & Share 2024 - 2032

Market Size by Waste (Municipal, Industrial), by Treatment (Open Dumping, Disposal), by Material (Paper & Paperboard, Metals, Plastics, Food, Textiles), Regional Outlook & Forecast.

Report ID: GMI265
   |
Published Date: August 2024
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Report Format: PDF

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Solid Waste Management Market Size

Solid Waste Management Market was valued at USD 1.14 trillion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.3% from 2024 to 2032, driven by urbanization, which increases waste generation and the need for efficient management.

Solid Waste Management Market Key Takeaways

Market Size & Growth

  • 2023 Market Size: USD 1.14 Trillion
  • 2032 Forecast Market Size: USD 1.40 Trillion
  • CAGR (2024–2032): 2.3%

Key Market Drivers

  • Ongoing adoption of sustainable waste management practices.
  • Adoption of advanced waste treatment & disposal technologies.
  • Utilization of waste as a source of renewable energy.

Challenges

  • Limited availability of an effective SWM regulatory framework.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the United States generated over 290 million tons of municipal solid waste in 2021. Rising environmental awareness and stricter regulations are promoting sustainable practices and recycling. Technological advancements like waste-to-energy solutions and automated sorting systems are also improving efficiency. Economic growth further drives the market, as expanding economies produce more waste, increasing the need for effective waste management systems.
 

Solid Waste Management Market

Solid Waste Management Market Trends

The solid waste management industry is experiencing significant transformation driven by increasing urbanization, population growth, and environmental concerns. There is a growing emphasis on sustainable practices, with advancements in recycling technologies, waste-to-energy processes, and composting gaining traction. Governments and organizations are implementing stricter regulations and adopting circular economy principles to minimize waste and enhance resource recovery. Innovations in smart waste management systems, including IoT-enabled sensors and data analytics, are improving operational efficiency and waste tracking. Additionally, there is a rising focus on reducing single-use plastics and promoting biodegradable materials. As these trends evolve, the market is expected to expand with more investments in green technologies and infrastructure development.
 

Solid Waste Management Market Analysis

Solid Waste Management Market Size, By Treatment, 2022 – 2032 (Billion Tonnes)

The solid waste management industry, specifically focusing on disposal treatment services, is projected to surpass 29 billion tonnes by 2032. This growth highlights the significant advantages of advanced disposal and treatment solutions. These services not only enhance environmental protection by reducing landfill use and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions but also promote resource recovery through recycling and waste-to-energy technologies. Improved disposal and treatment methods contribute to better public health by mitigating hazardous waste impacts and reducing pollution. Moreover, they support sustainable development goals by facilitating efficient waste management practices and fostering circular economy principles, ultimately benefiting both communities and the environment.
 

Solid Waste Management Market Share, By Material, 2023

The food industry contributes significantly to global solid waste production, and the solid waste management market is projected to expand at a CAGR exceeding 1.5% through 2032, largely driven by waste generated from this sector. This growth is attributed to several factors including increasing food production and consumption worldwide, advancements in waste collection and processing technologies, and heightened regulatory pressures on food manufacturers to manage waste more efficiently. Additionally, growing awareness of environmental sustainability and the push for circular economy practices are encouraging investments in innovative waste management solutions, further propelling market expansion.
 

North America Solid Waste Management Market, 2022 – 2032 (USD Billion)

North America solid waste management market is expected to exceed USD 410 billion by 2032, driven by increasing urbanization and industrialization, which lead to more waste and require better waste management solutions. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the urban population in the United States increased by over 9% from 2010 to 2020, contributing to higher waste generation. Strict environmental regulations and rising public awareness about sustainability also support market growth. Additionally, new technologies in waste treatment and recycling are making processes more efficient and less costly. With a growing population demanding effective waste management systems, the market is set for continued growth in the coming years.
 

The U.S. solid waste management market is driven by rising urbanization, increased waste generation, and stringent environmental regulations. Technological advancements in recycling and waste-to-energy processes, along with growing public awareness about sustainability, further fuel market growth. Additionally, federal and state mandates for waste reduction and proper disposal enhance the demand for innovative waste management solutions.
 

Solid Waste Management Market Share

Solid Waste Management Company Market Share Analysis, 2023

Veolia is a major player in the solid waste management industry, known for its significant share due to its extensive global presence and comprehensive waste management solutions. The company excels in waste collection, recycling, and treatment, leveraging advanced technologies and sustainability practices to maintain a leading position in the industry.
 

Solid Waste Management Market Companies

Major key layers operating across the solid waste management industry are:

  • Biffa
  • China Everbright Environment Group Limited
  • Clean Harbors, Inc.
  • Cleanaway
  • Covanta Holding Corporation
  • Hitachi Zosen Corporation
  • Keppel Seghers
  • OMNI Conversion Technologies, Inc.
  • Recology
  • Sims Limited
  • Stericycle
  • SUEZ
  • Veolia
  • Waste Connections
  • Waste Management, Inc.
  • Wheelabrator Technologies, Inc.
     

Solid Waste Management Industry News

  • In July 2022, Wheelabrator Technologies Inc. acquired Waste Away Systems, an independent solid waste & recycling hauler company in Ohio, U.S. This acquisition also includes a transfer station, which carries over 400 tons of construction & demolition waste along with municipal solid wastes. This acquisition enhanced the company’s market position in the solid waste management industry across the region.
     
  • In August 2022, Covanta Holding Corporation acquired environmental management company, Biologic (Biologic Environmental Services & Waste Solutions) in California. The acquired company offers comprehensive waste management services and will aid Covanta in expanding its geographical footprint across regional markets.
     

Solid waste management market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of volume and revenue in Million Tonnes and USD Million from 2021 to 2032, for the following segments:

Market, By Waste

  • Municipal solid waste
  • Residential
  • Residential, by treatment
    • Open dumping
      • Treatment, by open dumping, by material
        • Paper & paperboard
        • Metals
        • Plastics
        • Food
        • Glass
        • Others
          • Disposal
            • Treatment, by disposal, by material
              • Paper & paperboard
              • Metals
              • Plastics
              • Food
              • Glass
              • Others
          • Residential, by material
            • Paper & paperboard
            • Metals
            • Plastics
            • Food
            • Glass
            • Others
  • Commercial
  • Commercial, by source
    • Hospitals
    • Offices & institutions
    • Hotels
    • Others
      • Commercial, by treatment
        • Open dumping
          • Open dumping, by material
            • Paper & paperboard
            • Metals
            • Plastics
            • Food
            • Glass
            • Others
            • Disposal
              • Disposal, by material
                • Paper & paperboard
                • Metals
                • Plastics
                • Food
                • Glass
                • Others
          • Commercial, by material
            • Paper & paperboard
            • Metals
            • Plastics
            • Food
            • Glass
            • Others
    • Industrial solid waste
  • Industrial solid waste, by source
  • Equipment manufacturing
  • Mining
  • Food processing & textiles
  • Others
  • Industrial solid waste, by treatment
  • Open dumping
    • Treatment, by open dumping, by material
      • Paper & paperboard
      • Metals
      • Plastics
      • Food
      • Glass
      • Others
        • Disposal
          • Treatment, by disposal, by material
            • Paper & paperboard
            • Metals
            • Plastics
            • Food
            • Glass
            • Others
  • Industrial solid waste, by material
  • Paper & paperboard
  • Metals
  • Plastics
  • Food
  • Glass
  • Others

Market, By Treatment

  • Open dumping
  • Disposal
    • Landfill
    • Recycling
    • Incineration/combustion
    • Composting & AD

Market, By Material)

  • Paper & paperboard
  • Metals
  • Plastics
  • Food
  • Glass
  • Others

The above information has been provided for the following regions and countries:

  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Europe
    • UK
    • France
    • Germany
    • Italy
    • Sweden
    • Netherlands
    • Poland
    • Romania
    • Russia
    • Bulgaria
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • Australia
    • India
    • Japan
    • South Korea
    • Thailand
    • Indonesia
    • Malaysia
    • Philippines
    • Singapore
  • Middle East & Africa
    • Qatar
    • UAE
    • Nigeria
    • Saudi Arabia
    • South Africa
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Chile
    • Mexico

 

Authors:  Ankit Gupta, Abhishek Chopra

Research methodology, data sources & validation process

This report draws on a structured research process built around direct industry conversations, proprietary modelling, and rigorous cross-validation and not just desk research.

Our 6-step research process

  1. 1. Research design & analyst oversight

    At GMI, our research methodology is built on a foundation of human expertise, rigorous validation, and complete transparency. Every insight, trend analysis, and forecast in our reports is developed by experienced analysts who understand the nuances of your market.

    Our approach integrates extensive primary research through direct engagement with industry participants and experts, complemented by comprehensive secondary research from verified global sources. We apply quantified impact analysis to deliver dependable forecasts, while maintaining complete traceability from original data sources to final insights.

  2. 2. Primary research

    Primary research forms the backbone of our methodology, contributing nearly 80% to overall insights. It involves direct engagement with industry participants to ensure accuracy and depth in analysis. Our structured interview program covers regional and global markets, with inputs from C-suite executives, directors, and subject matter experts. These interactions provide strategic, operational, and technical perspectives, enabling well-rounded insights and reliable market forecasts.

  3. 3. Data mining & market analysis

    Data mining is a key part of our research process, contributing nearly 20% to the overall methodology. It involves analysing market structure, identifying industry trends, and assessing macroeconomic factors through revenue share analysis of major players. Relevant data is collected from both paid and unpaid sources to build a reliable database. This information is then integrated to support primary research and market sizing, with validation from key stakeholders such as distributors, manufacturers, and associations.

  4. 4. Market sizing

    Our market sizing is built on a bottom-up approach, starting with company revenue data gathered directly through primary interviews, alongside production volume figures from manufacturers and installation or deployment statistics. These inputs are then pieced together across regional markets to arrive at a global estimate that stays grounded in actual industry activity.

  5. 5. Forecast model & key assumptions

    Every forecast includes explicit documentation of:

    • ✓ Key growth drivers and their assumed impact

    • ✓ Restraining factors and mitigation scenarios

    • ✓ Regulatory assumptions and policy change risk

    • ✓ Technology adoption curve parameter

    • ✓ Macroeconomic assumptions (GDP growth, inflation, currency)

    • ✓ Competitive dynamics and market entry/exit expectations

  6. 6. Validation & quality assurance

    The final stages involve human validation, where domain experts manually review filtered data to identify nuances and contextual errors that automated systems might miss. This expert review adds a critical layer of quality assurance, ensuring data aligns with research objectives and domain-specific standards.

    Our triple-layer validation process ensures maximum data reliability:

    • ✓ Statistical Validation

    • ✓ Expert Validation

    • ✓ Market Reality Check

Trust & credibility

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Research Analysts
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5-year relationship value

Verified data sources

  • Trade publications

    Security & defense sector journals and trade press

  • Industry databases

    Proprietary and third-party market databases

  • Regulatory filings

    Government procurement records and policy documents

  • Academic research

    University studies and specialist institution reports

  • Company reports

    Annual reports, investor presentations, and filings

  • Expert interviews

    C-suite, procurement leads, and technical specialists

  • GMI archive

    13,000+ published studies across 30+ industry verticals

  • Trade data

    Import/export volumes, HS codes, and customs records

Parameters studied & evaluated

Every data point in this report is validated through primary interviews, true bottom-up modelling, and rigorous cross-checks. Read about our research process →

Frequently Asked Question(FAQ) :
How big is the solid waste management market?
The market size of solid waste management was worth about USD 1.14 trillion in 2023 and is expected to register 2.3% CAGR from 2024 to 2032, owing to the rising urbanization, which increases waste generation and the need for efficient management worldwide.
Why is the demand for solid waste treatment management in the food industry growing?
Solid waste management industry from the food segment is expected to register over 1.5% CAGR from 2024 to 2032, due to the increasing food production and consumption worldwide.
What is the size of the North America solid waste management market?
North America solid waste management industry is expected to reach over USD 410 billion by 2032, due to increasing urbanization and industrialization, which lead to more waste and require better waste management solutions in the region.
Who are the key leaders in the solid waste management industry?
Biffa, Hitachi Zosen Corporation, Keppel Seghers, OMNI Conversion Technologies, Inc., Recology, Sims Limited, Stericycle, SUEZ, Veolia, Waste Connections, Waste Management, Inc., and Wheelabrator Technologies, Inc., are some of the major solid waste management companies worldwide.
Solid Waste Management Market Scope
  • Solid Waste Management Market Size

  • Solid Waste Management Market Trends

  • Solid Waste Management Market Analysis

  • Solid Waste Management Market Share

Authors:  Ankit Gupta, Abhishek Chopra
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Premium Report Details:

Base Year: 2023

Companies Profiled: 16

Tables & Figures: 10

Countries Covered: 31

Pages: 100

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