Europe Municipal Solid Waste Management Market Size
| Study Period | 2020 - 2030 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
| Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
| Market Size (2025) | USD 47.17 Billion |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 59.54 Billion |
| CAGR (2025 - 2030) | 4.77% |
| Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Europe Municipal Solid Waste Management Market Analysis
The Europe Municipal Solid Waste Management Market size is estimated at USD 47.17 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 59.54 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 4.77% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
- Europe boasts a sophisticated municipal solid waste (MSW) management industry, marked by stringent regulations, cutting-edge technologies, and a pronounced focus on recycling and waste-to-energy solutions. The European Union (EU) has rolled out a series of robust waste management regulations, including the Waste Framework Directive, Landfill Directive, and Circular Economy Action Plan.
- These regulations set ambitious targets, with the 2020 EU circular economy action plan aiming to slash the total amount of non-recycled municipal waste by 2030. The plan mandates that all EU Member States recycle at least 60% of their municipal waste by this deadline. It also outlines specific targets for reducing waste and boosting recycling rates for packaging, plastics, and other materials.
- The European Union's circular economy targets aim for 65% of municipal solid waste to be recycled, with less than 10% ending up in landfills by 2035. Annually, the European Union generates 2.2 billion tonnes of waste, with over a quarter (27%) classified as municipal waste, comprising the everyday waste collected and managed by municipalities, primarily from households.
- While waste generation and management practices vary significantly across EU nations, there is a noticeable trend toward increased recycling and reduced landfilling. Eurostat data revealed that in 2022, the European Union collectively produced 229.5 million tonnes of municipal solid waste, averaging 513 kilograms per capita. This marked a decline from 2021, when waste generation peaked at 237.5 million tonnes, with per capita volumes at 532 kilograms. Europe's strict rules focus on sustainability, and new technologies make it a leader in managing municipal solid waste.
Europe Municipal Solid Waste Management Market Trends
Recycling Initiatives and the Push for a Greener Future
Despite recent strides in the United Kingdom's recycling system, the nation still needs to catch up to global leaders like South Korea, Germany, and Austria, which boast recycling rates of up to 70% for household waste.
With a target to recycle 65% of municipal waste by 2035, the UK government is ramping up its recycling efforts. Notably, in May 2024, the UK Recycling Minister unveiled a streamlined recycling collection system to bolster recycling rates in England. It is part of a broader strategy to enhance recycling and curb waste. It comes on the heels of the United Kingdom's ban on single-use plastics, effective since October 1, 2023, which targeted items like plastic plates, cutlery, and polystyrene food containers. The new system aims to simplify recycling by standardizing the materials collected from homes, workplaces, and schools, replacing the current patchwork of localized approaches.
Notably, councils will now be mandated to collect plastic, metal, glass, paper, and cards in a single bin, streamlining the recycling process. The country's new recycling initiative aims to standardize the collection of recyclable materials, reducing confusion and simplifying waste management for councils and collectors. The UK government also supports more frequent bin collections, mandating bi-weekly general waste and weekly food waste collections.
Germany Strides Toward a Circular Economy
Germany, despite its strides, grapples with excessive waste production. While waste volumes often mirror material wealth, the nation is exploring avenues to sever this link. Emphasizing municipal waste, heightened consumer awareness and proactive waste prevention measures are pivotal. While waste prevention is crucial, it is not a standalone solution. The focus remains on transitioning to a circular economy.
Annually, the country generates about 340 million tonnes of waste, excluding any double counting. The lion's share of this waste comprises construction and demolition debris, primarily repurposed for new construction. Roughly two-thirds of the 50 million tonnes of municipal waste undergo recycling. However, the proportion of recyclates derived from this recycling barely crosses the 50% mark.
Germany's commendable recycling and recovery rates not only conserve resources and primary energy but also underscore the waste industry's commitment to sustainable economic practices. With an impressive 67% recycling rate, trailing only Slovenia, Germany is steadfast in its aim to hit a lofty 75% recycling rate by 2025. Germany's recycling initiatives, including a user-friendly color-coded bin system, streamline waste sorting for households. Each bin color corresponds to a specific waste type, enhancing recycling efficiency and ensuring top-notch recyclable material quality. Germany's recycling practices stand out as a global model, showcasing how a commitment to sorting bins and repairing items can pave the way for a more sustainable world.
Europe Municipal Solid Waste Management Industry Overview
The European municipal solid waste management market is fragmented, with many players aiming to mitigate waste generation, as well as recycle and reuse the waste in the most effective ways possible. Major players in the market include Veolia Environnement, SUEZ, and FCC Environment.
Numerous startups are focusing on developing innovative approaches for waste disposal in an environment-friendly manner.
With the increase in the production of waste in the region, municipal bodies are mandated to establish coherent and sustainable waste management systems and have been encouraged by the federal government to partner with the private sector.
Europe Municipal Solid Waste Management Market Leaders
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Veolia Environnement
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SUEZ
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FCC Environment
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Remondis
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Renewi
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Europe Municipal Solid Waste Management Market News
- April 2024: Kiel, a city in Germany, made history by becoming the country's inaugural zero-waste city. Zero-waste cities are at the forefront of a movement to eradicate waste and foster a circular economy to combat emissions. Kiel, leading the charge, secured the coveted title of Germany's inaugural zero-waste city. The city's comprehensive plan outlines over 100 initiatives, with a target to reduce waste by an average of 15% per person annually by 2035. Additionally, Kiel is resolute in its ambition to slash residual waste, which cannot be recycled, by 50% within the same timeframe.
- January 2024: Veolia is ramping up its ambitions in the energy industry, with a keen eye on decarbonization, local production, and energy efficiency, all slated for realization by the end of this decade. The company has set a bold target, i.e., to boost its energy production capacity, sourced from biofuels and renewables, by a substantial 50%, aiming to hit 8 gigawatts (GW) by 2030. Furthermore, Veolia is not just looking to meet demand but to surpass it. The company plans to double its spare capacity, setting its sights on 3 GW by the same deadline. By 2030, Veolia aims to be Europe's premier district heating network operator. Additionally, the company is vying to take the lead in energy efficiency, not just in buildings but across industries, spanning from Europe to the Middle East, as highlighted by Brachlianoff in a recent presentation.
Europe Municipal Solid Waste Management Industry Segmentation
Municipal solid waste (MSW) refers to the everyday items discarded by the public, primarily generated from households, commercial establishments, institutions, and public spaces.
The report provides a comprehensive background analysis of the market, covering the current market trends, restraints, and technological updates, as well as detailed information on various segments and the competitive landscape of the industry. Additionally, the impact of COVID-19 has been incorporated and considered during the study.
The European municipal solid waste management market is segmented by waste type (paper and cardboard, e-waste, plastic waste, metal waste, glass waste, and other waste types), source (residential, commercial, construction, and other sources), disposal methods (landfill, incineration, recycling, and other disposal methods), and region (Germany, United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, and Rest of Europe). The market sizes and forecasts are provided in terms of value (USD) for all the above segments.
| By Waste Type | Paper and Cardboard | ||
| E-waste | |||
| Plastic Waste | |||
| Metal Waste | |||
| Glass Waste | |||
| Other Waste Types | |||
| By Source | Residential | ||
| Commercial | |||
| Construction | |||
| Other Sources | |||
| By Disposal Method | Landfill | ||
| Incineration | |||
| Recycling | |||
| Other Disposal Methods | |||
| By Region | Europe | United Kingdom | |
| France | |||
| Italy | |||
| Rest of Europe | |||
| Paper and Cardboard |
| E-waste |
| Plastic Waste |
| Metal Waste |
| Glass Waste |
| Other Waste Types |
| Residential |
| Commercial |
| Construction |
| Other Sources |
| Landfill |
| Incineration |
| Recycling |
| Other Disposal Methods |
| Europe | United Kingdom |
| France | |
| Italy | |
| Rest of Europe |
Europe Municipal Solid Waste Management Market Research Faqs
How big is the Europe Municipal Solid Waste Management Market?
The Europe Municipal Solid Waste Management Market size is expected to reach USD 47.17 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 4.77% to reach USD 59.54 billion by 2030.
What is the current Europe Municipal Solid Waste Management Market size?
In 2025, the Europe Municipal Solid Waste Management Market size is expected to reach USD 47.17 billion.
Who are the key players in Europe Municipal Solid Waste Management Market?
Veolia Environnement, SUEZ, FCC Environment, Remondis and Renewi are the major companies operating in the Europe Municipal Solid Waste Management Market.
What years does this Europe Municipal Solid Waste Management Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the Europe Municipal Solid Waste Management Market size was estimated at USD 44.92 billion. The report covers the Europe Municipal Solid Waste Management Market historical market size for years: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Europe Municipal Solid Waste Management Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
Europe Municipal Solid Waste Management Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 Europe Municipal Solid Waste Management market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Europe Municipal Solid Waste Management analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
