Recycling Facilities in Canada - Industry Market Research Report

Reduce and reuse: Revenue will rise on account of higher recycling volumes

Canadian recycling facilities have expanded in recent years. Recycling facilities accept unsorted waste and recyclable materials and sort them into specific recyclable material streams. Material recycling facilities (MRFs) range from small companies with labour-intensive processes to large-scale MRFs that employ machinery to process recyclables. Environmental consciousness has been a boon for recycling facilities. Still, volatile commodity prices, particularly plastic and metal, through the middle of the period have created an uneven performance for recycling facilities. As waste management is administered at the provincial level, individual provinces have worked to promote recycling by creating comprehensive recycling programs and passing even more stringent regulations. By requiring producers of materials that can be recycled to contribute to these programs, funding levels have risen over the past five years, spurring demand for recycling. Overall, revenue for Canadian recycling facilities has expanded at a CAGR of 1.3% to $1.1 billion over the five years to 2023. Revenue will inch upward 0.9% in 2023, specifically as commodity prices continue to normalize, which creates price advantages in some segments and erodes them in others. This has also placed downward pressure on profit.

The Recycling Facilities industry in Canada operates material recovery facilities that separate and sort recyclable materials from nonhazardous waste streams (i.e. garbage). Operators also sort commingled recyclable materials, such as paper, plastics, used beverage cans and metals into distinct categories.

This report covers the scope, size, disposition and growth of the industry including the key sensitivities and success factors. Also included are five year industry forecasts, growth rates and an analysis of the industry key players and their market shares.