Solid Waste Management Market Report 2026

The solid waste management market size has grown steadily in recent years. It will grow from $328.9 billion in 2025 to $344.12 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.6%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to rising urbanization and waste generation, increasing government waste management initiatives, early development of landfill and disposal systems, growing environmental regulatory enforcement, rising awareness of public health safety.

The solid waste management market size is expected to see steady growth in the next few years. It will grow to $405.2 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing investment in advanced waste treatment infrastructure, rising focus on sustainability and circular economy, growing adoption of smart waste solutions, strengthening emphasis on green urban development, expanding initiatives for recycling enhancement. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing adoption of organized waste collection systems, growing focus on recycling and resource recovery, rising implementation of waste to energy solutions, expansion of municipal and industrial waste handling programs, strengthening emphasis on environmentally safe waste disposal.

The growing level of environmental concern is expected to drive the expansion of the solid waste management market in the coming years. Environmental concern refers to awareness of and attention to the health and sustainability of the natural environment and its ecosystems. These concerns are increasing due to extreme weather events, heightened awareness of climate change, and the environmental impact of human activities. Solid waste management plays a critical role in addressing these issues by reducing environmental pollution, conserving natural resources, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, safeguarding ecosystems, supporting circular economy practices, and improving public health outcomes. For instance, in February 2024, according to the United Nations Environment Programme, a Kenya-based intergovernmental organization, municipal solid waste generation is projected to increase from 2.3 billion tonnes in 2023 to 3.8 billion tonnes by 2050. Therefore, rising environmental concerns are fueling the growth of the solid waste management market.

Major companies operating in the solid waste management market are focusing on the development of advanced technological solutions, such as waste sorting robots, to improve the efficiency and precision of waste segregation, boost recycling rates, and support sustainable waste management practices. Waste sorting robots are automated robotic systems designed to identify, separate, and classify different waste materials. For instance, in February 2024, ZenRobotics, a Finland-based provider of intelligent sorting robots for the waste industry, introduced ZenRobotics 4.0, the fourth generation of its waste sorting robots. ZenRobotics 4 features enhanced artificial intelligence capabilities and new functionalities aimed at optimizing waste sorting operations and improving overall efficiency. This solution represents a significant advancement in waste sorting technology, offering more than a routine upgrade to existing waste management processes.

In August 2023, Cards Holdings LLC, a US-based solid waste collection company, acquired Trash Hog LLC for an undisclosed amount. Through this acquisition, Cards Holdings LLC aims to strengthen its position in the waste management industry by expanding its service portfolio, increasing market presence, and enhancing competitive capabilities through the integration of Trash Hog LLC. Trash Hog LLC is a US-based solid waste collection company specializing in waste collection services.

Major companies operating in the solid waste management market report are Veolia Environnement SA, Waste Management Inc, Republic Services Inc, SUEZ SA, REMONDIS AG & Co. KG, Rethmann SE & Co. KG, GFL Environmental Inc, Cleanaway Waste Management Limited, Biffa Group PLC, Renewi plc, Waste Connections Inc, Casella Waste Systems Inc, Recology Inc, FCC Environment Limited, Viridor Limited, Urbaser SAU, ALBA Group plc, Paprec Group SA, Covanta Holding Corporation, Envac Group AB, TANA Oy.

North America was the largest region in the solid waste management market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the solid waste management market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the solid waste management market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The solid waste management market includes revenues earned by entities by providing services such as waste collection, waste treatment, and waste disposal. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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