U.S. Waste Management Market Report: An SDG Perspective

Executive Summary: Market Projections and SDG Alignment

The United States waste management market is projected to expand from US$ 118.5 billion in 2025 to US$ 147.0 billion by 2032, reflecting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.4%. This growth is intrinsically linked to the nation’s progress toward several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those concerning urban sustainability, responsible consumption, and climate action. The increasing generation of municipal solid waste (MSW), currently at 350 million tonnes annually, underscores the urgent need for strategies that align with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Addressing SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Urban Waste Generation and Management

Rapid urbanization and consumer-centric lifestyles are primary drivers of waste volume, directly impacting the targets of SDG 11. Key statistics related to urban waste include:

• Municipal Solid Waste (MSW): The U.S. generates approximately 350 million tonnes of MSW per year.
• Household Contribution: The average U.S. household produces 4.51 pounds of waste daily, contributing to a nationwide total of over 728,000 tons per day.
• Service Segmentation: Market services are segmented into collection, disposal (landfilling and incineration), recycling, and composting, all critical for creating sustainable urban environments.

Landfill Management and Environmental Impact

Effective landfill management is crucial for mitigating the environmental hazards in urban areas. Landfills are a significant source of pollution, directly challenging the objectives of SDG 11. In 2018, landfill emissions contributed nearly 270 million metric tons of CO2-equivalent. Furthermore, the average tipping fee of $56.80 per ton in 2023 incentivizes municipalities to adopt more sustainable waste diversion strategies to reduce reliance on limited landfill space.

Advancing SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

The Rise of the Circular Economy

The principles of a circular economy are central to achieving SDG 12. The recycling and reuse segment, which holds a 29.3% market share, is pivotal to this transition. This growth is supported by heightened public awareness and government policies promoting sustainable consumption patterns. The Western U.S. leads this effort with recycling rates exceeding 35%, demonstrating the effectiveness of robust policy frameworks in fostering circularity.

Challenges in Specific Waste Streams

Addressing specific waste categories is essential for fulfilling SDG 12 targets for waste reduction.

1. Food Waste: Constituting 38% of landfill content, food waste is a major contributor to environmental degradation and represents a significant loss of resources.
2. Electronic Waste (E-waste): North America generates over 14 kg of e-waste per capita, yet the formal recycling rate is below 25%. This results in the loss of valuable materials, with an estimated US$91 billion worth of recyclable metals from global e-waste remaining untapped.
3. Hazardous Waste: The proper management of hazardous and industrial waste is critical for preventing environmental contamination and protecting public health, aligning with both SDG 12 and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

Contribution to SDG 13: Climate Action

Mitigating Greenhouse Gas Emissions

The waste management sector plays a direct role in climate change mitigation under SDG 13. Landfills are a primary source of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Food waste alone is responsible for 18% of U.S. methane emissions from landfills. Efforts to divert organic waste through composting and other technologies are therefore critical for reducing the sector’s climate impact.

Innovations in Waste-to-Energy

Technological advancements are creating opportunities to convert waste into a resource, supporting both SDG 13 and SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). Recent developments, such as Republic Services, Inc.’s solar-powered landfill gas recovery project, exemplify how the industry is innovating to capture and convert methane emissions into renewable energy, thereby contributing to climate action.

Market Dynamics and Alignment with Global Goals

Key Market Drivers and Opportunities for SDG Progress

• Regulatory Frameworks: Government pressure for waste reduction and sustainable practices catalyzes investment in infrastructure and innovation, supporting SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).
• Urban Mining: The recovery of valuable materials from e-waste and construction debris presents a significant economic and environmental opportunity aligned with circular economy principles.
• Technological Innovation: Investments in AI-driven sorting systems and advanced recycling technologies enhance efficiency and support the transition to more sustainable waste management systems.
• Public-Private Partnerships (SDG 17): Collaborations between public and private entities are essential for funding and scaling modern waste infrastructure, including waste-to-energy and composting facilities.

Market Restraints and Barriers to Sustainability

• Infrastructure Deficits: High capital expenditure for modern facilities and limited landfill space remain significant hurdles.
• Source Segregation: Inconsistent public participation in waste sorting and contamination of recyclable materials undermine the efficiency of recycling programs.
• Regional Disparities: Slower regulatory adoption and inadequate infrastructure in the Southern and Midwestern regions hinder nationwide progress toward waste-related SDGs.

Conclusion: The Path to a Sustainable Waste Future

The U.S. waste management market is at a critical juncture, with its growth trajectory closely tied to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. The transition toward a circular economy, driven by policy, innovation, and public engagement, is essential for addressing the challenges of urbanization, resource depletion, and climate change. By focusing on waste reduction, enhancing recycling infrastructure, and fostering partnerships, the industry can advance its economic objectives while making substantial contributions to a more sustainable and resilient future.

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

The following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are relevant to the article:

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

  The article connects waste management to clean energy production by mentioning a “solar-powered landfill gas recovery project in Texas aimed at converting methane into renewable energy” and noting opportunities for “scalable waste-to-energy projects.”

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

  This goal is addressed through the article’s focus on modernizing waste management infrastructure. It highlights the need for “modern waste treatment facilities,” investments in “AI-powered waste sorting technology,” and “public-private partnerships focused on modernizing outdated waste handling systems.”

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  The article is heavily centered on urban waste management, directly linking to this SDG. It discusses challenges driven by “increasing urbanization” and “infrastructure-intensive urban regions,” and quantifies the generation of “municipal solid waste (MSW)” in cities, with each household contributing significantly to the daily waste total.

• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

  This is a central theme, as the article discusses the entire lifecycle of waste from generation to disposal. It highlights issues of “surging per capita waste generation” due to “consumerism,” and focuses on solutions like “recycling and reuse,” “composting,” and promoting “circular economy initiatives” to achieve sustainable consumption patterns.

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  The article explicitly links waste management to climate change by quantifying greenhouse gas emissions from waste. It states that “Landfill emissions contributed nearly 270 million metric tons of CO2-equivalent in 2018” and that food waste drives “18% of methane emissions,” making waste management a critical component of climate action.

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

The following specific SDG targets can be identified:

• Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.

  This target is relevant because the article describes projects that convert waste into energy. The mention of a “landfill gas recovery project… aimed at converting methane into renewable energy” is a direct example of increasing the share of renewable energy derived from waste sources.

• Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable.

  The article supports this target by detailing efforts to modernize the waste management industry. It points to a “$200 million investment in AI-powered waste sorting technology” and the general need to replace “outdated waste handling systems” with “modern waste treatment facilities” to improve efficiency and sustainability.

• Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to… municipal and other waste management.

  This target is directly addressed by the article’s focus on managing “municipal solid waste (MSW).” The statistic that “each household contributing an average of 4.51 pounds of waste daily” highlights the per capita environmental impact, and the entire article discusses strategies like recycling and composting to manage this urban waste more effectively.

• Target 12.2: Achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.

  The article connects to this target through its discussion of the circular economy and resource recovery. The mention of “urban mining” and the fact that “Recyclable metals worth US$91 billion from global e-waste remain largely untapped” points to the opportunity for more efficient use of natural resources by recovering them from waste streams.

• Target 12.4: Achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle.

  This target is relevant due to the article’s focus on specific, harmful waste types. The mention of “hazardous waste” and “electronic waste (e-waste)” management, along with the environmental impact of landfill emissions (CO2 and methane), demonstrates a focus on managing all forms of waste to minimize their adverse effects on the environment.

• Target 12.5: Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse.

  This is a core target addressed throughout the article. The text emphasizes that the “recycling and reuse segment currently leads the market,” highlights the importance of “waste reduction,” and notes that the Western U.S. has “higher recycling rates (over 35%)” due to policies promoting these activities.

• Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.

  The article shows this integration in practice. The focus on reducing “landfill emissions” of CO2 and methane, driven by “environmental regulations,” demonstrates that climate change mitigation is a key consideration in U.S. waste management strategies and policies.

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

The following indicators are mentioned or implied in the article:

• Indicator for Target 11.6 & 12.5 (Indicator 12.5.1: National recycling rate, tons of material recycled):

  The article provides direct data points that serve as indicators. It mentions that the Western U.S. has “higher recycling rates (over 35%)” and that the “formal recycling rate” for e-waste is “under 25%.” These percentages are direct measurements of recycling performance.

• Indicator for Target 12.2:

  An implied indicator is the value and volume of materials recovered from waste. The article states that “Recyclable metals worth US$91 billion from global e-waste remain largely untapped,” suggesting that tracking the amount of recovered materials is a key metric for measuring progress in resource efficiency.

• Indicator for Target 12.4 & 13.2:

  A key indicator mentioned is the volume of greenhouse gas emissions from the waste sector. The article specifies that “Landfill emissions contributed nearly 270 million metric tons of CO2-equivalent in 2018” and that food waste accounts for “18% of methane emissions.” Tracking the reduction of these emissions would measure progress.

• Indicator for Target 7.2:

  An implied indicator is the amount of energy generated from waste. The mention of a “landfill gas recovery project” and “waste-to-energy projects” implies that the number of such facilities and the amount of renewable energy they produce can be used as a metric.

• Indicator for Target 9.4:

  An implied indicator is the level of investment in sustainable infrastructure and technology. The article cites a “$200 million investment in AI-powered waste sorting technology” as an example, suggesting that tracking capital expenditure on modernizing waste management systems is a way to measure progress.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators’ to present the findings from analyzing the article.

Source: openpr.com