North America Solid Waste Management Market Size
| Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
| Market Size (2025) | USD 77.28 Billion |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 89.63 Billion |
| CAGR (2025 - 2030) | 3.01% |
| Fastest Growing Market | Asia Pacific |
| Largest Market | North America |
| Market Concentration | High |
Major Players*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
North America Solid Waste Management Market Analysis
The North America Solid Waste Management Market size is estimated at USD 77.28 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 89.63 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 3.01% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
- In North America, solid waste management is a significant challenge due to the high population density and urbanization. The region generates a substantial amount of waste from residential, commercial, and industrial sources. To effectively manage this waste, comprehensive strategies and infrastructure are in place.
- One of the key trends in North America's solid waste management market is the emphasis on sustainable waste management practices. There is a growing focus on reducing waste generation through initiatives like recycling, composting, and waste reduction programs. Many cities and municipalities have implemented recycling programs to divert recyclable materials from landfills.
- Furthermore, regulatory frameworks play a crucial role in shaping the solid waste management market in North America. Government regulations at the federal, state, and local levels set standards for waste management practices, including landfill operations, waste collection, and recycling. Compliance with these regulations ensures the proper handling and disposal of solid waste.
- About half of the 300 million tons that are produced each year in the United States end up in landfills. Although the rate of MSW recycling in the United States has increased significantly since the 1960s, there has been little progress over the last decade, with recycling rates hovering around 30%. U.S. recycling rates are relatively low when compared with other countries, particularly in Europe.
- In terms of population, the United States is the biggest waste producer. The United States accounts for less than 5% of the global population but produces roughly 12% of global MSW and is the biggest generator of MSW per capita. On average, U.S. citizens produce more than 811 kilograms of waste per year.
- The United States produces more than 1,700 pounds of food, plastic, and hazardous waste per person.
- Each year, the country manages an estimated 35 million tons of hazardous materials. The United States saw nearly USD 9 billion in revenue for dangerous waste treatment and disposal in 2021, up 184% from 2000.
- The waste management industry in North America is also witnessing a shift towards a circular economy approach. The circular economy aims to minimize waste generation by promoting the recycling and reuse of materials. This approach not only reduces the environmental impact but also creates economic opportunities by turning waste into valuable resources.
- Additionally, public awareness and education programs are essential in promoting responsible waste management practices. Many organizations and local governments conduct educational campaigns to encourage individuals and businesses to adopt sustainable waste management habits, such as proper waste sorting and recycling.
- Overall, the solid waste management market in North America is evolving towards sustainable and innovative approaches. By focusing on waste reduction, recycling, and advanced technologies, the region is striving towards a more environmentally friendly and efficient waste management system.
North America Solid Waste Management Market Trends
Booming Plastic segment
- In North America, the plastic waste segment has gained increasing attention as efforts are being made to address the challenges associated with plastic pollution.
- Plastic waste generation in North America is substantial, with a significant portion ending up in landfills or improperly disposed of in the environment. To combat this issue, various strategies and initiatives have been implemented to reduce plastic waste, promote recycling, and encourage the use of more sustainable alternatives.
- One key aspect of managing plastic waste is recycling. Recycling programs have been established across North America to divert plastic waste from landfills and promote the circular economy. These programs aim to collect, sort, and process different types of plastic for reuse in manufacturing new products. Recycling facilities play a crucial role in this process by turning plastic waste into valuable resources.
- In addition to traditional recycling, advancements in technology have led to the development of innovative plastic recycling methods. This includes technologies like chemical recycling, which can break down plastic waste into its basic components, allowing for the creation of new plastic products. These innovations provide opportunities to increase plastic recycling rates and reduce the reliance on virgin plastic production.
- Another important aspect of addressing the plastic waste segment is reducing single-use plastics. Single-use plastics, such as plastic bags, straws, and utensils, contribute significantly to plastic waste. Many cities and states in North America have implemented or are considering bans or restrictions on single-use plastics to reduce their environmental impact.
- Furthermore, efforts are being made to promote the use of more sustainable alternatives to plastic. This includes the development and utilization of biodegradable and compostable plastics, as well as the promotion of reusable products. By encouraging the adoption of these alternatives, the consumption of single-use plastics can be reduced, leading to a decrease in plastic waste generation.
- Public awareness and education campaigns also play a crucial role in addressing the plastic waste segment in North America. These campaigns aim to inform the public about the environmental impact of plastic waste, promote responsible waste management practices, and encourage individuals to make sustainable choices in their daily lives.
- Government regulations and policies are instrumental in shaping the plastic waste segment. North American countries have implemented various measures to address plastic pollution, including extended producer responsibility programs, which hold manufacturers accountable for the end result.
Mexico holds a prominent position in the market
- Mexico’s new waste management policies require municipalities and institutions to develop and implement waste management programs for the essential solid waste management function.
- These programs aim to reduce the generation of waste, foster a waste culture that can be environmentally responsible, recycle the waste that has the potential to be recycled, and manage and dispose of the waste in the least environmentally damaging way possible.
- In Mexico, municipalities and various organizations face the challenge of developing and implementing waste management programs, but due to a lack of experience in this area, Mexico’s situation is unique.
- Based on SEMARNAT's diagnosis, Mexico has an estimated urban solid waste generation rate of 0.954 kg per capita per day, and the total amount of solid waste generated is estimated to be 120.128 tons per year.
- Of the solid urban waste collected, 31.6% is waste that can be used, 46.2% is organic waste, and 22.3% is other waste. Collecting 100.751 tons of waste per day is the national coverage, which is 83.87%.
- Waste transfer in Mexico takes place in 127 facilities in 112 municipalities across 23 states, 49.61 percent of which are in municipalities with a population over 100,000.
- Solid waste collection centers are in operation in 63 municipalities across 19 states.
- Waste separation takes place in 144 municipalities across 23 states, including 16 sites in Mexico City.
- About 5.281 tons of separate waste (both organic and inorganic) are collected daily, which represents about 5 percent of total waste collected in Mexico.
- 2,062 tons of separated waste in Mexico correspond to organic waste, while 3,219 tons of inorganic waste are collected.
- 47 waste treatment plants are in operation, which perform the following processes: separation or recycling, crushing, compaction, composting, and digestion.
- Given the current waste collection, separation, treatment, and recycling infrastructure in Mexico, there is still potential for US-made products, services, and technologies to be sold directly to municipal solid waste suppliers and contractors in Mexico.
- All these factors are contributing to the demand for waste management equipment in Mexico.
North America Solid Waste Management Industry Overview
The waste management sector in North America is highly competitive and consists of various players offering a range of services. These companies compete in areas such as waste collection, recycling, landfill operations, and waste-to-energy facilities.
Waste Management Inc. is one of the largest waste management companies in North America. They provide comprehensive waste management services, including collection, recycling, and disposal. With its extensive network and infrastructure, Waste Management Inc. serves millions of customers across the region.
Republic Services Inc. is another major player in the North American waste management industry. They offer a wide range of waste management solutions, including collection, recycling, and landfill operations. Republic Services Inc. operates in multiple states and serves both residential and commercial customers.
North America Solid Waste Management Market Leaders
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Waste Management Inc
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Republic Services
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Clean Harbors
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Stericycle
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Advanced Disposal Services
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
North America Solid Waste Management Market News
- October 2023: Veolia North America (VNA), a leading integrated environmental services provider in the United States and Canada, announced the acquisition of United States Industrial Technologies (USIT), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Michigan-based Total Waste and Recycling Services (WRS).
- July 2023: LRS, The Midwest’s Independent Waste, Recycling, and Portable Services Provider, announced the acquisition of environmental recycling & disposal (Environmental) and moen transfer station, a privately held, family-owned, and operated business that has served Will County, Illinois’ disposal needs for more than 25 years.
North America Solid Waste Management Industry Segmentation
Solid waste management is basically the whole process of getting rid of solid waste. It involves collecting waste from different sources, transporting it, treating it, analyzing it, and then disposing of it.
The solid waste management market is segmented by waste type, disposal method, and geography. By waste type, the market is segmented into e-waste, plastic, hazardous, bio-medical, and other waste types; by disposal methods, the market is segmented into landfills, incineration, and recycling; and by region, the market is segmented into the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The report offers market size and forecasts for the solid waste management market in terms of value (USD) for all the above segments.
| By Product Type | Waste Disposal Equipment |
| Waste Recycling and Sorting Equipment | |
| By Waste Type | Hazardous Waste |
| Non-hazardous Waste | |
| By collection type | curbside pickup |
| door-to-door collection | |
| community recycling programs | |
| By End User | Municipal Waste Management |
| Healthcare | |
| Chemical | |
| Mining | |
| By Region | United States |
| Canada | |
| Mexico |
| Waste Disposal Equipment |
| Waste Recycling and Sorting Equipment |
| Hazardous Waste |
| Non-hazardous Waste |
| curbside pickup |
| door-to-door collection |
| community recycling programs |
| Municipal Waste Management |
| Healthcare |
| Chemical |
| Mining |
| United States |
| Canada |
| Mexico |
North America Solid Waste Management Market Research FAQs
How big is the North America Solid Waste Management Market?
The North America Solid Waste Management Market size is expected to reach USD 77.28 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 3.01% to reach USD 89.63 billion by 2030.
What is the current North America Solid Waste Management Market size?
In 2025, the North America Solid Waste Management Market size is expected to reach USD 77.28 billion.
Who are the key players in North America Solid Waste Management Market?
Waste Management Inc, Republic Services, Clean Harbors, Stericycle and Advanced Disposal Services are the major companies operating in the North America Solid Waste Management Market.
Which is the fastest growing region in North America Solid Waste Management Market?
Asia Pacific is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (2025-2030).
Which region has the biggest share in North America Solid Waste Management Market?
In 2025, the North America accounts for the largest market share in North America Solid Waste Management Market.
What years does this North America Solid Waste Management Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the North America Solid Waste Management Market size was estimated at USD 74.95 billion. The report covers the North America Solid Waste Management Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the North America Solid Waste Management Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
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North America Solid Waste Management Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 North America Solid Waste Management market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. North America 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.
