Table of Contents
Introduction
The Industrial Waste Recycling and Services Market is projected to grow significantly, with expectations to reach USD 53.2 billion by 2034, up from USD 30.0 billion in 2024, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.90% during the forecast period from 2023 to 2033. This growth is primarily driven by increasing environmental concerns and stringent government regulations promoting waste recycling. As industries expand, the volume of waste generated escalates, necessitating efficient recycling and disposal solutions.
Companies are also committing to sustainability targets, leading to heightened investments in waste recycling and resource recovery initiatives. However, the market faces challenges such as the high cost of waste treatment technologies and the complexity of managing diverse waste streams, especially in regions with underdeveloped waste management infrastructure. Recent developments in the market include significant investments in advanced recycling technologies and waste-to-energy initiatives, enhancing the sector’s capacity to manage waste more efficiently and sustainably.
In September 2023, Casella Waste Systems, Inc. acquired Consolidated Waste Services, LLC (dba “Twin Bridges”) for about $219 million. This acquisition included two hauling operations, a transfer station, and a material recovery facility in the greater Albany, New York market, expected to generate annualized revenues of approximately $70 million.
In March 2024, Clean Harbors, Inc. completed the acquisition of HEPACO for $400 million in cash. HEPACO, an environmental services provider operating across 17 states, was anticipated to contribute adjusted EBITDA of approximately $30 million in 2024. Clean Harbors projected cost synergies of about $20 million after the first full year of operations, equating to a post-synergy acquisition multiple of 7.1 times.
Key Takeaways
- The global industrial waste recycling and services market was valued at US$ 30.0 Billion in 2024.
- The global industrial waste recycling and services market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.90 % and is estimated to reach US$ 53.2 Billion by 2034.
- Among types, non-hazardous accounted for the largest market share of 68.4%.
- Among products, metals accounted for the majority of the market share at 38.5%.
- By end-user, manufacturing accounted for the largest market share of 42.2%.
- Asia Pacific is estimated as the largest market for industrial waste recycling and services with a share of 43.3% of the market share.
Industrial Waste Recycling and Services Statistics
- Investment Needs: The U.S. requires an estimated $118 billion to $133.5 billion to modernize material recovery infrastructure for packing materials alone.
- Recycling Capacity: The U.S. has extensive recycling infrastructure, including facilities for glass, metals, paper, plastics, textiles, and tires.
- Composting Investments: Funding for centralized composting facilities is estimated at around $8.7 billion to $9.4 billion, underscoring significant investment in organic recycling technologies
- Investment Needs: It is estimated that between $36.5 to $43.4 billion would be required to enhance curbside collection, drop-off, and processing infrastructure across the United States by 2030.
- Investment Estimates (2022-2024): An estimated total investment of between $36.5 to $43.4 billion is needed to improve recycling infrastructure in the U.S., including municipal recovery facilities (MRFs), packaging material-specific recycling facilities, composting, anaerobic digestion, and livestock infrastructure.
- Recovery Increase Potential: These investments could potentially recover an additional 82 to 89 million tons of packaging and organic waste by 2030, a significant increase from current levels and could elevate the national recycling rate from 32% to 61%.
- SWIFR Grants: In 2023, the EPA announced over $117 million in Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) grant opportunities, aimed at supporting recycling and wasted food prevention across various communities and tribal regions.
- Grant Distribution: The funding available includes $58 million for community grants and $20 million for tribal and intertribal consortia grants.
- Access to Recycling Services: It’s estimated that approximately 40% of U.S. households do not have access to recycling services for packaging materials that are equivalent in quality to trash disposal services.
- Organic Waste Recycling: Specific investments include up to $9.4 billion for centralized composting systems and $436 million for centralized anaerobic digestion facilities.
- Local Government Involvement: In 2023, 311 local governments applied for SWIFR grants, demonstrating significant local interest and need for improved recycling infrastructure.
➤ 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭: 𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬: https://market.us/report/industrial-waste-recycling-and-services-market/free-sample/
Emerging Trends
- Adoption of Advanced Recycling Technologies: Companies are embracing innovative recycling technologies to enhance efficiency and sustainability. For instance, Exxon Mobil Corporation announced a $200 million investment in Texas plants to expand plastics recycling capabilities, aiming to process up to 1 billion pounds of plastic waste annually by 2027.
Reuters - Emphasis on Circular Economy Practices: Industries are shifting towards circular economy models, focusing on resource recovery and waste minimization. In China, for example, circular economy practices have led to the recovery of 2 billion tonnes of industrial solid waste through recycling, incineration, and composting.
- Integration of Co-Processing Methods: Co-processing, which involves using waste materials as alternative fuels or raw materials in industrial processes, is gaining traction. This method conserves natural resources and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. The European Union cement industry, for instance, utilizes over 40% alternative fuels derived from waste, showcasing the potential of co-processing in sustainable waste management.
Use Cases
- Waste-to-Energy (WtE) Conversion: Industries are increasingly adopting WtE technologies to transform non-recyclable waste materials into usable energy forms such as electricity and heat. As of 2019, Europe operated 589 WtE plants, while the United States had 82 facilities, highlighting the global commitment to energy recovery from waste.
- Co-Processing in Cement Manufacturing: The cement industry utilizes co-processing by integrating waste materials as alternative fuels or raw materials in cement kilns. This practice conserves natural resources and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. In the European Union, the cement sector has achieved a thermal substitution rate exceeding 40%, indicating a significant reliance on alternative fuels derived from waste.
- Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) Production: Refuse-derived fuel involves processing industrial waste to extract combustible components, which are then used as fuel in various industrial applications. For example, the Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority in the UK projected the production of up to 900,000 tonnes of RDF annually, demonstrating the scalability of this waste management strategy.
- Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs): MRFs are specialized plants that receive, separate, and prepare recyclable materials for end-user manufacturers. In the United States, there are over 300 MRFs, with the market size estimated at $6.6 billion as of 2019, reflecting the economic significance of material recovery operations.
- Recycling of Industrial By-Products: Industries generate substantial amounts of by-products, many of which are recyclable. For instance, in Australia, approximately 33 million tonnes of commercial and industrial (C&I) waste are produced annually, with a recycling rate of 53%, equating to over 17 million tonnes.
- On-Site Waste Conversion Technologies: Some industries employ on-site waste conversion technologies, such as waste converters, to process waste directly at the source. This approach is prevalent in hospitals, where converters treat potentially infectious waste, reducing disposal costs and enhancing sanitation.
➤ 𝐁𝐮𝐲 𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐮𝐦 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬: https://market.us/purchase-report/?report_id=144544
Major Challenges
- High Costs of Waste Treatment Technologies: Implementing advanced waste treatment technologies requires substantial financial investment, posing a barrier for many companies, especially in emerging economies. The complexity and expense of managing diverse waste streams further exacerbate this issue, limiting the adoption of efficient recycling methods.
- Complexity of Waste Composition: Industrial waste often comprises a mix of hazardous and non-hazardous materials, making segregation and recycling processes intricate and costly. For instance, in 2018, the United States generated approximately 292.4 million tons of municipal solid waste, with only 32.1% being recycled or composted, indicating challenges in waste management practices.
- Environmental and Health Risks: Improper handling of industrial waste can lead to severe environmental pollution and health hazards. For example, in March 2025, an explosion at a recycling plant in Australia injured six workers due to inadequate safety measures when processing aerosol cans.
- Regulatory Compliance and Enforcement: Navigating the complex landscape of environmental regulations is a significant challenge for industrial waste recycling entities. Inconsistent enforcement and varying standards across regions can lead to compliance difficulties and potential legal repercussions. For instance, a 2025 investigation revealed that U.S. companies shipped over 1 million tons of hazardous waste to Mexico and Canada annually, raising concerns about environmental responsibility and regulatory oversight.
- Informal Employment and Labor Issues: The waste management and recycling industry often relies on informal labor, characterized by low wages, long working hours, and inadequate safety measures. Globally, approximately 6.9 million people are employed in this sector, representing 0.2% of total employment, with many facing significant decent work deficits.
Market Growth Opportunities
- Growth in E-Waste Recycling: The proliferation of electronic devices has led to increased e-waste generation. Companies like ATRenew have refurbished over 32 million devices, addressing the growing e-waste challenge and contributing to environmental sustainability.
Time - Rising Demand for Recycled Materials in Manufacturing: Industries are increasingly utilizing recycled materials to meet sustainability goals and reduce production costs. For example, the global waste recycling services market is projected to grow, reflecting the rising demand for recycled materials across various sectors.
- Integration of Digital Technologies in Waste Management: The adoption of digital solutions, including Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and data analytics, enhances waste tracking, collection efficiency, and operational transparency. The global waste management market is expected to reach USD 1,966.19 billion by 2030, driven by technological advancements and stringent government regulations.
- Expansion of Waste-to-Energy (WtE) Initiatives: The increasing adoption of WtE technologies offers a dual benefit of waste reduction and energy generation. For instance, the U.S. waste-to-energy market is projected to grow significantly, contributing to the broader waste management sector’s expansion.
Key Players Analysis
Advanced Disposal Services, Inc. (ADSW) is a Florida-based company specializing in non-hazardous solid waste collection, transfer, recycling, and disposal services. In 2019, the company reported service revenues of approximately $1.62 billion. In 2020, Advanced Disposal Services, Inc. was acquired by Waste Management, Inc., a leading provider in the waste management industry. As a result, Advanced Disposal Services, Inc. no longer operates as an independent entity.
Amdahl Corporation, founded in 1970 by Dr. Gene Amdahl, was a prominent American company specializing in mainframe computer systems. In the 1980s, Amdahl Corporation expanded its offerings to include data storage and networking solutions. The company was acquired by Fujitsu in 1997, becoming Fujitsu Amdahl, and continued to operate in the information technology sector. However, Amdahl Corporation ceased to exist as an independent entity after the acquisition.
Biffa plc, a leading UK waste management company, reported revenues of £1.73 billion for the fiscal year ending March 29, 2024, a 3% increase from the previous year. Casella Waste Systems, Inc., operating in the eastern U.S., achieved revenues of $1.265 billion for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023, marking a 16.5% rise over the prior year. Both companies demonstrate significant growth in the industrial waste recycling and services sector.
Clean Harbors, Inc., a leading provider of environmental and industrial services in North America, reported revenues of $5.41 billion for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023, a 5% increase from $5.17 billion in 2022. In the fourth quarter of 2023, revenues grew by 5% to $1.34 billion compared to $1.28 billion in the same period of 2022. Cleanaway Waste Management Limited, Australia’s largest publicly listed waste management company, achieved a statutory net profit of $23.5 million for the year ended June 30, 2023, a 70.8% decrease from the previous year. Despite this decline, the company reported strong revenue growth across all segments, driven by organic growth, contract price increases, fuel surcharges, and contributions from recent acquisitions. Both companies continue to play significant roles in the industrial waste recycling and services sector, demonstrating resilience and strategic growth amidst varying market conditions.
Collins & Aikman, historically known for its automotive interior components, has faced significant challenges, including bankruptcy proceedings in the mid-2000s. Post-bankruptcy, the company shifted focus towards real estate and environmental remediation projects. Notably, in July 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposed a cleanup plan for the former Collins & Aikman Plant site in Farmington, New Hampshire, highlighting ongoing environmental concerns.
Covanta Holding Corporation, now rebranded as Reworld, specializes in waste-to-energy solutions, converting municipal solid waste into renewable energy. In 2023, Reworld’s facilities processed approximately 20 million tons of waste, generating over 9 million megawatt-hours of electricity. The company also reported an 81% increase in recycled and reused materials compared to 2021, emphasizing its commitment to sustainability. However, in February 2024, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation found Reworld’s Hempstead facility in violation of environmental laws concerning ash management, prompting further scrutiny.
EnviroServ Waste Management (Pty) Ltd, a leading waste management company in Southern Africa, offers comprehensive services including collection, treatment, and disposal of general and hazardous waste. In December 2023, the South African Supreme Court of Appeal ruled in favor of EnviroServ regarding depreciation claims for landfill cells, marking a significant victory for taxpayers in the waste management sector.
Epson, Inc. is committed to sustainability within the industrial waste recycling sector. In fiscal year 2023, Epson’s U.S. manufacturing affiliate achieved a zero-waste-to-landfill operation, diverting 117 tons of materials from landfills through recycling and waste-to-energy initiatives. Additionally, Epson Australia, in partnership with the Australia & New Zealand Recycling Program, recycled electronic waste, preventing 2,805 tonnes of carbon emissions between June 2023 and July 2024.
Eurokey Recycling Ltd, based in Telford, Shropshire, specializes in plastic and cardboard recycling. In August 2024, the company filed its full accounts for the year ending December 31, 2023, with Companies House, reflecting its ongoing commitment to transparency and regulatory compliance. While specific financial figures for 2023 are not publicly disclosed, the company’s consistent filings suggest stable operations within the recycling sector.
FCC Environment, a division of the FCC Group, is a prominent waste management company in the UK. In 2023, FCC Environment managed waste across 109 local authority areas, processing 1.1 million tonnes of materials and serving 7,652 business waste customers. The company operates 194 facilities, recycling 885,000 tonnes of wastewater annually. These figures underscore FCC Environment’s significant role in the UK’s waste management and recycling industry.
Fetzer Vineyards, established in 1968 in Mendocino County, California, is renowned for its commitment to sustainable winemaking. The company operates on 100% renewable energy, achieved through on-site solar arrays generating approximately 1 million kWh annually. In 2017, Fetzer was honored with the United Nations Climate Change Secretariat’s Momentum for Change Award, recognizing its leadership in climate-positive initiatives. The company continues to innovate in sustainable practices, aiming for net-positive environmental impact in its operations.
Northstar Clean Technologies Inc., a Canadian clean technology company specializing in the sustainable recovery and reprocessing of asphalt shingles, reported notable advancements in 2023. In October 2023, Northstar commenced detailed engineering design for the Empower Calgary Facility. By November 2023, the company placed orders totaling $3.3 million for three major long-lead equipment items for the facility. In April 2024, Northstar received $1.34 million in grant funding from Emissions Reduction Alberta following the completion of the facility’s detailed engineering design.
Interface, Inc., a global flooring solutions company, released its 2023 Impact Report, highlighting significant sustainability achievements. In 2023, Interface reduced global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 12% compared to 2022, marking progress toward its goal of becoming a carbon-negative enterprise by 2040. The company also increased female representation on its Board of Directors to 30% with the election of Catherine Marcus.
REMONDIS SE & Co. KG, a leading global waste management company, reported a turnover of €12.1 billion for the fiscal year 2023, a slight decrease from the previous year’s €12.6 billion. Despite this minor decline, the company expanded its workforce by approximately 2,000 employees, reaching a total of 43,000 across 34 countries. This growth highlights REMONDIS’s resilience and commitment to enhancing its recycling, water management, and environmental services worldwide.
Republic Services, Inc., a leading U.S. waste management company, reported a net income of $1.73 billion for the year ending December 31, 2023, equating to $5.47 per diluted share. This marks an increase from $1.49 billion, or $4.69 per share, in 2022. The company’s revenue growth reflects its strong position in the industrial waste recycling and services sector.
Rumpke Consolidated Companies, Inc., a family-owned waste and recycling firm, achieved revenues of approximately $500 million in 2023. The company was honored as a U.S. Best Managed Company for the fifth consecutive year in 2024, reflecting its strong operational and financial performance. Additionally, Rumpke expanded its recycling capabilities by opening the largest and most advanced recycling facility in its history, enhancing its service offerings in the industrial waste recycling sector.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the industrial waste recycling and services sector is experiencing substantial growth, driven by increasing environmental awareness, stringent regulations, and the adoption of sustainable practices across industries. This upward trajectory underscores the sector’s pivotal role in promoting environmental sustainability and resource efficiency. However, challenges such as high treatment costs, complex waste compositions, and regulatory compliance must be addressed to sustain this growth. Leveraging technological advancements, embracing circular economy principles, and fostering collaborative efforts among stakeholders are essential strategies to overcome these obstacles and ensure the continued advancement of industrial waste recycling and management services.
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