Global Waste Management Market: A Report on Growth, Trends, and Contributions to Sustainable Development Goals
Executive Summary
The global waste management market is undergoing significant expansion, projected to grow from USD 1011.2 billion in 2024 to USD 2066.9 billion by 2035, reflecting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.72%. This growth is intrinsically linked to the global pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those concerning sustainable cities, responsible consumption, clean energy, and public health. The market’s evolution is driven by stringent environmental regulations, technological advancements, and a paradigm shift towards a circular economy. This report analyzes the market’s trajectory, key trends, and regional dynamics, highlighting its critical role in achieving a sustainable future.
Market Projections and Alignment with Global Sustainability Agendas
The waste management sector’s expansion is a direct response to global challenges such as urbanization, industrialization, and increasing environmental awareness. Its growth trajectory is pivotal for achieving several key SDGs.
Market Statistics and Economic Contribution (SDG 8)
- 2024 Market Valuation: USD 1011.2 Billion
- Projected 2035 Market Valuation: USD 2066.9 Billion
- Forecast Period CAGR (2025-2035): 6.72%
This economic growth contributes to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by creating employment opportunities in collection, recycling, and technology development.
Regulatory Frameworks as a Catalyst for Sustainability
Government mandates are a primary driver for market growth. Regulations such as the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and the Waste Shipment Regulation compel industries and municipalities to adopt more sustainable waste management practices, directly supporting the implementation of multiple SDGs.
Core Contributions to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The functions of the waste management industry—collection, transportation, recycling, and disposal—are fundamental to achieving a sustainable and healthy planet. The sector’s strategies are increasingly aligned with specific SDG targets.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Effective waste management is essential for making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. The industry directly addresses Target 11.6 by working to reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities through improved management of municipal and other waste streams. The development of smart waste systems further enhances urban sustainability.
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
The market is at the forefront of promoting SDG 12. Key initiatives include:
- Circular Economy: Promoting the reuse of materials and resource recovery to minimize waste, aligning with Target 12.5 (substantially reduce waste generation).
- Recycling and Resource Recovery: Advanced technologies are improving the efficiency of recycling plastics, e-waste, and other materials.
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Schemes that hold producers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products, encouraging sustainable design and reducing waste.
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
Waste-to-Energy (WtE) technologies, such as incineration and anaerobic digestion, are a growing trend. These methods convert non-recyclable waste into heat, electricity, or fuel, contributing to Target 7.2 by increasing the share of renewable energy in the global mix and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
SDG 3 & 6: Good Health, Well-being, and Clean Water
Proper management of hazardous, medical, and municipal waste is critical for public health and environmental protection. By preventing soil, water, and air pollution, the industry helps achieve Target 3.9 (reduce illnesses from hazardous chemicals and pollution) and Target 6.3 (improve water quality by reducing pollution).
Regional Analysis and SDG Implementation
Asia Pacific: Fastest Growing Region
The Asia Pacific region is projected to experience the fastest growth due to rapid urbanization and industrialization. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity to implement modern waste management infrastructure that supports SDG 11. The region’s focus on managing diverse waste streams, including e-waste and plastics, and investment in WtE technologies, demonstrates a commitment to sustainable development.
North America: Highest Demand and Technological Leadership
North America is expected to generate the highest demand, driven by high consumption rates and robust regulatory frameworks. The region is a leader in adopting advanced solutions for industrial, hazardous, and e-waste, contributing to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 12. The focus is on optimizing resource recovery and minimizing landfill dependency.
Top Market Trends Driving Sustainable Outcomes
- Circular Economy Integration: A fundamental shift from a linear “take-make-dispose” model to a circular one that emphasizes material reuse and waste reduction, directly supporting SDG 12.
- Intelligent Waste Management: The adoption of smart technologies like IoT-enabled bins, data analytics, and route optimization to improve efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint of waste collection, aligning with SDG 9 and SDG 11.
- E-waste Management: Specialized services for recycling and safely disposing of electronic waste are growing in importance to mitigate environmental contamination and recover valuable materials, a key aspect of SDG 12.
- Hazardous Waste Management: Stricter regulations and growing awareness are driving the market for safe treatment and disposal of hazardous materials, crucial for protecting public health (SDG 3) and the environment (SDG 6).
- Medical Waste Management: The safe handling and disposal of healthcare waste is vital for preventing infections and protecting communities, directly contributing to SDG 3.
- Waste-to-Energy (WtE) Technologies: Increasing investment in technologies that convert waste into a resource for clean energy, advancing SDG 7.
Leading Companies Advancing Sustainable Waste Management
Key corporations in the waste management sector are instrumental in driving innovation and implementing practices that align with the SDGs. Their services are critical for global progress on environmental stewardship.
Top Market Participants
- Covanta Holding Corporation
- Hitachi Zosen Corporation
- Advanced Disposable Services
- Daiseki Co., Ltd.
- FCC Environment
- BIFFA
- Remondis SE & Co. K.G.
- Waste Management Inc. Group
- SUEZ
- Clean Harbors, Inc.
- Veolia Environment S.A.
- Republic Services, Stericycle
- Waste Connections
- Urbaser
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- The article connects waste management to public health by highlighting the management of “hazardous materials” and “medical waste.” It mentions that improper disposal leads to “health risks, like the spread of vector-borne illnesses,” and that effective management is crucial for “public and healthcare worker safety.”
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- The article points out that “incorrect trash disposal” results in “soil, water, and air pollution.” This directly relates to the goal of ensuring clean water by preventing contamination from waste.
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- The article frequently mentions “waste-to-energy technologies” as a key trend and benefit of modern waste management. It refers to “renewable energy generation” and specific technologies like “anaerobic digestion and incineration” and “landfill gas energy recovery,” which contribute to creating clean energy from waste.
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- The article discusses the importance of “waste management infrastructure and services,” especially in urbanizing regions. It also highlights innovation through “advancements in recycling technologies,” “smart waste management systems” like “smart bins, waste tracking systems, and data analytics,” and the development of specialized “EfW technology” (Energy from Waste).
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- The article directly addresses the challenges of “fast urbanization” and the “growing production of waste in metropolitan areas.” It emphasizes the need to manage “municipal” waste and reduce the environmental impact on cities, which is a core component of this SDG.
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- This is a central theme of the article. It promotes sustainable practices through the “circular economy idea, which stresses waste reduction and material reuse.” It also covers the management of specific waste streams like “packaging waste, electronic waste (e-waste), and building debris,” and government initiatives like “Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes” to ensure environmentally sound management of waste.
SDG 14 & 15: Life Below Water & Life on Land
- By addressing the need to mitigate “soil, water, and air pollution” and reduce the overall “environmental impact” of waste, the article implicitly connects to the protection of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems from the harmful effects of improper waste disposal.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination. The article’s focus on “Hazardous Waste Management” and “Medical Waste Management” directly aligns with reducing health risks from hazardous materials.
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. The article’s repeated mention of “waste-to-energy (WtE) conversion,” “renewable energy generation,” and companies specializing in “EfW technology” supports this target.
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable… with greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies. The discussion of investing in “waste management infrastructure,” “smart waste management,” and “innovations in recycling and WtE technologies” reflects this target.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. The article directly addresses this by discussing the pressure on “rubbish management infrastructure” due to “urbanization” and the need to manage “municipal” waste.
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle… and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil. The article’s sections on “Hazardous Waste Management,” “E-waste Management,” and reducing pollution align with this target.
- Target 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse. This is directly supported by the article’s emphasis on the “circular economy,” “recycling,” “resource recovery,” and “waste reduction.”
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Indicators for SDG 11 and 12
- Implied Indicator (related to 11.6.1 and 12.5.1): The proportion of waste that is recycled. The article implies this is a key metric by stating that the company Daiseki Co., Ltd. “achieves recycling rates of about 90%.” This suggests that the “recycling rate” is a standard indicator of performance in waste management.
- Implied Indicator (related to 12.4.2): The proportion of different waste types that are managed. The article breaks down the market into distinct management trends for “E-waste,” “Hazardous Waste,” and “Medical Waste,” implying that tracking the management of these specific, harmful waste streams is a measure of progress.
Indicators for SDG 7
- Implied Indicator (related to 7.2): The amount of energy generated from waste. The article highlights “waste-to-energy (WtE) conversion” and “renewable energy generation” as a key benefit and market trend. Companies like Hitachi Zosen specialize in “EfW technology” and have supplied “almost 1,000 waste treatment plants worldwide,” indicating that the capacity and output of these plants are key measures of success.
General Market Indicators
- Market Size and Growth Rate: The article provides explicit financial figures, such as the “Global Waste Management Market Size” growing from “USD 1011.2 Billion in 2024 to USD 2066.9 Billion by 2035,” at a “CAGR of 6.72%.” These financial metrics can serve as proxy indicators for the level of investment and activity in achieving sustainable waste management.
4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators Identified in Article |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.9: Substantially reduce deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and pollution. | Management and safe disposal of “hazardous waste” and “medical waste” to ensure “public and healthcare worker safety.” |
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy. | Amount of energy produced through “waste-to-energy (WtE) conversion” and “landfill gas energy recovery.” |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and industries for sustainability and adoption of clean technologies. | Adoption of “smart waste management systems” (e.g., smart bins, data analytics) and investment in “waste management infrastructure.” |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, focusing on waste management. | Effective management of “municipal” waste generated due to “fast urbanization.” |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | 12.4: Achieve environmentally sound management of all wastes. 12.5: Substantially reduce waste generation through recycling and reuse. |
National or company-level “recycling rates” (e.g., the 90% rate mentioned for Daiseki Co., Ltd.). Implementation of “circular economy” principles and “Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes.” |
Source: sphericalinsights.com
