North America Solid Waste Management Market: A Report on Sustainable Development Alignment

The North America solid waste management market, valued at USD 75.12 billion in 2024, is projected to expand to USD 98.27 billion by 2033, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.03% from 2025. This growth is intrinsically linked to the region’s efforts to address key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). The market’s expansion is driven by increasing urbanization, stringent environmental regulations, and a systemic shift towards a circular economy, all of which are critical for achieving sustainability targets.

Market Overview and Financial Projections

Market Valuation and Growth Forecast

• 2024 Market Value: USD 75.12 Billion
• 2025 Estimated Market Value: USD 77.40 Billion
• 2033 Projected Market Value: USD 98.27 Billion
• Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR 2025–2033): 3.03%

Key Market Insights (2024)

• The United States accounted for the largest market share.
• Canada is projected to exhibit steady growth, supported by advanced Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies aligned with SDG 12.
• By waste type, the plastic segment constituted the largest share, highlighting a critical challenge for SDG 14 (Life Below Water).
• By disposal method, landfills remained the dominant practice, indicating a significant opportunity for improvement in line with SDG 13 (Climate Action) by reducing methane emissions.

Market Dynamics and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Market Drivers

1. Population Growth and Urbanization Pressures: The continuous growth of urban centers in North America directly impacts waste generation volumes, creating an urgent need for advanced waste management infrastructure. This driver is closely tied to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), specifically Target 11.6, which aims to reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities through improved municipal waste management. The increasing complexity of urban waste streams, such as packaging from e-commerce, necessitates smart, efficient solutions to maintain sustainable urban environments.
2. Environmental Regulations and Sustainability Mandates: Strict regulatory frameworks, including the EPA’s Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and Canada’s provincial EPR programs, are compelling investments in sustainable waste management. These regulations directly support SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by promoting source reduction, recycling, and the environmentally sound management of all wastes (Target 12.4 and 12.5). Corporate sustainability goals, such as zero-waste initiatives, further amplify this trend.

Market Restraints

1. Infrastructure Deficits and Capital Investment: The presence of aging waste management infrastructure, including landfills operating beyond their design capacity, presents a significant barrier to progress. This deficit hinders the achievement of SDG 11 and SDG 12 by limiting the adoption of modern, more sustainable technologies and circular economy models.
2. Skilled Labor Shortages: A projected decline in the waste collection workforce poses a challenge to operational capacity and service quality. Addressing this shortage is essential for building the human capital required for a green economy, a key component of SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

Strategic Opportunities for Advancing Sustainability

Circular Economy and Resource Recovery

The transition to a circular economy presents a primary opportunity for the market. This model aligns directly with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by transforming waste streams into valuable resources. Key opportunities include:

• Organic Waste Processing: Technologies like anaerobic digestion convert food waste into renewable energy and soil amendments, contributing to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and reducing landfill methane emissions in line with SDG 13 (Climate Action).
• Advanced Material Recovery: Innovations in sorting and chemical recycling enable higher-value extraction from materials like plastics, supporting corporate and regulatory goals for recycled content.

Digital Transformation and Smart Technology Integration

The integration of digital technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), AI, and data analytics is revolutionizing operational efficiency. These smart solutions are critical for managing waste at the scale required to meet SDG 11 and SDG 12 targets. Technology enables optimized collection routes, real-time monitoring, and predictive analytics, which reduce fuel consumption and improve resource allocation, thereby supporting SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Segmental Analysis

Analysis by Waste Type

• Plastic Waste: Holding the largest market share (35.4%), plastic waste represents a significant environmental challenge. Market growth in this segment is driven by regulatory pressure and corporate commitments to increase recycling and reduce single-use plastics, directly addressing targets within SDG 12 and SDG 14 (Life Below Water).
• Electronic Waste (E-Waste): This segment is projected to grow rapidly (6.8% CAGR). Proper management of e-waste is crucial due to its hazardous components and valuable materials. Effective e-waste recycling contributes to SDG 12.4 (sound management of chemicals and wastes) and prevents environmental contamination, which is relevant to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

Analysis by Disposal Method

• Landfills: Dominating the market with a 52.35% share, landfilling remains a primary disposal method. However, its contribution to methane emissions is a major concern for SDG 13 (Climate Action). The market trend is shifting towards landfill gas capture and waste diversion to mitigate this impact.
• Recycling: This segment is forecast to grow at a 5.4% CAGR, driven by ambitious diversion targets and corporate demand for recycled content. Growth in recycling is a direct measure of progress towards SDG 12.5, which aims to substantially reduce waste generation through recycling and reuse.

Regional Analysis in the Context of SDG Implementation

United States

The U.S. leads the market with an 82.3% share, driven by high waste generation volumes. The scale of the challenge underscores the importance of efficient waste management in achieving national sustainability commitments. Corporate initiatives, such as zero-waste goals by Fortune 500 companies, are significant drivers that align commercial objectives with the principles of SDG 12.

Canada

Holding 15.3% of the market, Canada’s growth is strongly influenced by progressive environmental policies. Provincial EPR programs are a prime example of effective policy tools for advancing SDG 12.5. Furthermore, initiatives focused on waste management in Indigenous communities reflect an inclusive approach to sustainability, aligning with the core SDG principle of “leaving no one behind” and supporting SDG 11.

Competitive Landscape and Strategic Directions

Key Market Participants

• Waste Management Inc.
• Republic Services
• Clean Harbors
• Stericycle
• Advanced Disposal Services

Dominant Corporate Strategies

1. Strategic Acquisitions and Consolidation: Companies are acquiring smaller operators to expand geographic reach and service capabilities, achieving the scale necessary to implement comprehensive, SDG-aligned waste management solutions.
2. Technology Integration and Digital Transformation: Investment in smart technologies is a key strategy to optimize operations, reduce environmental footprint, and provide the data necessary for tracking progress against sustainability targets like those in SDG 11 and SDG 13.
3. Sustainability and Circular Economy Development: Leading firms are focusing on resource recovery, waste-to-energy projects, and consulting services to help clients meet their sustainability goals, positioning themselves as key partners in the transition towards a circular economy as envisioned by SDG 12.

Recent Market Developments

• February 2024: Waste Management Inc. acquired assets from Advanced Disposal Services to enhance its collection network in the southeastern United States.
• March 2024: Casella Waste Systems launched an organic waste processing facility in Vermont to advance food waste diversion and renewable energy generation, supporting SDG 7 and SDG 12.
• May 2024: Republic Services partnered with Google Cloud to deploy AI and data analytics for route optimization, contributing to operational efficiency and reduced emissions.
• August 2024: Clean Harbors acquired Safety-Kleen’s industrial services division, strengthening its capacity for managing hazardous industrial waste in line with SDG 12.4.
• November 2024: Waste Connections acquired Progressive Waste Solutions’ Canadian operations, expanding its service capabilities in Western Canada.

Market Segmentation

By Waste Type

• E-Waste
• Plastic
• Hazardous
• Bio-Medical
• Other Waste Types

By Disposal Method

• Landfills
• Incineration
• Recycling

By Product Type

• Waste Disposal Equipment
• Waste Recycling and Sorting Equipment

By Collection Type

• Curbside Pickup
• Door-to-Door Collection
• Community Recycling Programs

By End User

• Municipal Waste Management
• Healthcare
• Chemical
• Mining

By Country

• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Rest of North America

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the North America Solid Waste Management Market

Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  The article directly addresses the management of solid waste in North America, which is a critical service for sustainable cities. It highlights the pressures of “growing urbanization,” noting that the US urban population is projected to reach 292 million by 2030, which “directly correlates with increased waste generation volumes requiring efficient collection and processing systems.”

• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

  This goal is central to the article’s theme. It discusses methods to manage waste sustainably, including the growth of the “recycling services segment,” the development of a “circular economy,” and the implementation of “extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs” that shift waste management costs to manufacturers to incentivize source reduction.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

  The article emphasizes the need for investment in and modernization of waste management infrastructure. It points out that “over 40% of landfills operating beyond their originally designed capacity” and discusses the integration of “advanced technologies, including automated collection systems, waste-to-energy conversion plants… and smart monitoring systems” to upgrade the industry.

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  The article explicitly identifies “Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Requirements” as a major challenge. It notes that waste management systems must adapt to “changing weather patterns, sea level rise, and extreme weather events” and mentions the need to address “carbon reduction mandates.”

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

  The article connects waste management to energy production by mentioning “waste-to-energy conversion plants” and “anaerobic digestion and composting technologies [that] convert food waste into renewable energy,” contributing to the share of renewable energy.

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  The economic dimension of the waste management sector is detailed, with a market value projected to reach “USD 98.27 billion by 2033.” However, it also highlights challenges related to the workforce, such as “skilled labor shortages” and a projected “5% decline in waste collection jobs through 2030,” which are relevant to ensuring decent work.

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  The proper management of specific waste types mentioned in the article, such as “hazardous” and “bio-medical” waste, is crucial for public health. The article references the “Resource Conservation and Recovery Act” which establishes frameworks for “hazardous waste management, requiring specialized handling, transportation, and disposal procedures” to minimize adverse health impacts.

What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. 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.
     
     Explanation: The entire article is focused on this target. It quantifies the problem by stating North America generates “approximately 292 million tons of municipal solid waste annually” and discusses the various methods (landfill, recycling, incineration) and challenges in managing this waste within growing urban centers.

2. 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 in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.
     
     Explanation: The article’s discussion on managing “hazardous waste streams” and the challenges of “per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) regulations” directly relates to the sound management of chemical waste.
   • Target 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse.
     
     Explanation: This target is supported by multiple points in the article, including the growth of the “recycling services segment,” corporate commitments to “reduce plastic packaging by 10% by 2025” (Walmart), and government mandates like California’s “75% organic waste diversion by 2025” and Canada’s requirement for producers to manage “85% of designated materials.”

3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure… to support economic development and human well-being.
     
     Explanation: The article highlights a deficit in this area, stating that the “nation’s solid waste infrastructure” needs “substantial investment” and is hindered by “aging road networks and bridge restrictions.” It also points to the need for resilient infrastructure to cope with climate change.
   • Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable… with all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities.
     
     Explanation: The article describes the industry’s move toward this target through “digital transformation initiatives” that “enhance operational efficiency,” including the use of “Internet of Things sensors, artificial intelligence algorithms, and predictive analytics.”

4. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

   • Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
     
     Explanation: The article identifies opportunities in this area, specifically through “waste-to-energy conversion” and technologies like “anaerobic digestion” that “convert food waste into renewable energy.”

Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. For Target 11.6 (Municipal Waste Management)

   • Indicator 11.6.1 (Proportion of municipal solid waste collected and managed in controlled facilities): The article provides several data points that can serve as indicators.
     • Total municipal solid waste generated: “approximately 292 million tons… annually” in North America.
     • Proportion of waste by disposal method: The “landfill disposal segment… held 52.35% of the share in 2024.”
     • Collection and diversion rates: British Columbia’s regulation requires producers to “achieve 85% collection rates,” and California’s SB 1383 “mandates 75% organic waste diversion by 2025.”

2. For Target 12.5 (Waste Reduction and Recycling)

   • Indicator 12.5.1 (National recycling rate, tons of material recycled): The article implies this indicator through several metrics.
     • Market growth for recycling: The “recycling services segment is gearing up with an expected CAGR of 5.4%.”
     • Recycled content goals: Over 300 major corporations have committed to “using 50% recycled content in packaging by 2030.”
     • Waste stream composition: The “plastic segment was the largest and held 35.4% of the… market share in 2024,” indicating a key area for recycling efforts.

3. For Target 9.1 (Infrastructure Quality)

   • Implied Indicator (Infrastructure Deficit): The article provides qualitative and quantitative data pointing to a lack of quality infrastructure.
     • Percentage of outdated facilities: “over 40% of landfills operating beyond their originally designed capacity.”
     • Condition of related infrastructure: “43% of major urban roads are in poor condition, directly impacting waste collection efficiency.”

4. For Target 8.2 (Economic Productivity and Growth)

   • Implied Indicator (Market Growth Rate): The article provides a direct economic indicator for the sector.
     • Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR): The market is “growing at a CAGR of 3.03% from 2025 to 2033.”

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Source: marketdataforecast.com