Global Waste Management Market Report: Aligning with Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

The global waste management industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by rapid urbanization, stringent environmental regulations, and heightened public awareness. This evolution is fundamentally aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). The industry’s growth reflects a global commitment to developing sustainable infrastructure and promoting circular economies. Innovations in collection, recycling, and treatment are not only expanding the market but are also critical for achieving targets related to waste reduction, resource efficiency, and environmental protection. The market is projected to grow from USD 2,358.7 billion in 2025 to USD 3,431.15 billion by 2032, demonstrating the increasing investment in sustainable practices worldwide.

Market Projections and Economic Impact (SDG 8)

The financial growth of the waste management sector underscores its increasing contribution to global economic development, directly supporting SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

• Projected Market Size (2025): USD 2,358.7 billion
• Forecasted Market Size (2032): USD 3,431.15 billion
• Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR): 5.5% (2025-2032)

This expansion creates employment opportunities and fosters economic activity centered around sustainable industries.

Key Drivers for Sustainable Waste Management

Several factors are propelling the industry’s alignment with the SDGs:

1. Regulatory Frameworks: Government policies, such as the European Union’s Waste Framework Directive, mandate higher recycling rates and responsible disposal, directly advancing SDG 12. The 4.2% annual rise in collection fees reflects the enforcement of these stricter norms.
2. Urbanization: Increasing urban populations intensify waste generation, making efficient waste management crucial for achieving SDG 11.6, which aims to reduce the adverse environmental impact of cities.
3. Technological Advancement: Innovations in waste processing enhance resource recovery and operational efficiency, contributing to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

Technological Innovations and Infrastructure Development (SDG 9)

Investment in modern infrastructure and technology is a cornerstone of the industry’s evolution, supporting SDG 9.

• Smart Technologies: The integration of IoT-enabled sensors for waste tracking and AI-based sorting systems improves efficiency and data accuracy. Republic Services’ use of AI-driven fleet management reduced operational costs by 12%.
• Infrastructure Expansion: Production capacity for waste processing is growing globally. In 2024, new recycling plants in China increased plastic waste processing capacity by over 20%.
• Waste-to-Energy (WtE): Policy support for WtE plants contributes to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). The US reported a 14% increase in WtE capacity installations in 2024.

Advancing the Circular Economy (SDG 12)

The shift towards a circular economy is a dominant market trend, directly addressing the targets of SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

• Recycling and Reuse: This is the leading service segment, driven by policies promoting resource recovery. The 12% year-on-year increase in export volumes of recovered metals highlights the growth of the secondary materials market.
• Waste Reduction Initiatives: The proliferation of small-scale municipal composting initiatives, which grew by 18% in Europe in 2024, exemplifies local efforts to reduce waste generation, aligning with SDG 12.5.
• Hazardous Waste Management: Enhanced focus on the environmentally sound management of hazardous materials supports SDG 12.4 and protects human health as per SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

Regional Analysis and Contributions to SDGs

• Asia Pacific: This region is characterized by rapid infrastructure investments and policy reforms to modernize waste treatment, addressing the challenges of urbanization in line with SDG 11.
• Europe: Leads in regulatory development, promoting circular economy models and sustainable waste management practices that serve as a global benchmark for achieving SDG 12.
• North America: A key hub for technological innovation and adoption. The 15% surge in imports of specialized e-waste treatment equipment in the US during 2024 reflects a response to growing challenges in electronics disposal.

Market Segmentation and SDG Alignment

By Waste Type

• Municipal Solid Waste: The largest segment, driven by urbanization, its management is central to SDG 11.
• Industrial and Hazardous Waste: Management of this waste is critical for protecting ecosystems and human health, aligning with SDG 3, SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
• Electronic Waste (E-waste): A growing segment requiring specialized treatment to recover valuable materials and prevent toxic pollution, crucial for SDG 12.

By Service

• Collection & Transportation: Foundational services being optimized through technology to reduce carbon footprints, contributing to SDG 13 (Climate Action).
• Recycling & Reuse: The dominant service, directly enabling the circular economy principles of SDG 12.
• Treatment & Disposal: Advanced methods are essential for minimizing environmental contamination and safeguarding public health (SDG 3, SDG 6).

Leading Corporations and Strategic Initiatives

Key market players are actively contributing to sustainable development through strategic actions:

• Key Players: Biffa Plc, Clean Harbors, Inc., Covanta Holding Corporation, Daiseki Co., Ltd, Hitachi Zosen Corporation, Remondis SE & Co. KG, Republic Services, Inc., Suez, Veolia Environment, and Waste Management Inc.
• Strategic Growth: Veolia’s 2024 acquisition of a regional recycling firm increased its industrial waste processing market share by 8%, enhancing capacity for resource recovery in line with SDG 12.
• Technological Leadership: Republic Services’ implementation of AI in North America demonstrates how corporate strategy can drive efficiency and support SDG 9 and SDG 11.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

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

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

2. 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 article directly addresses this target by focusing on the management of “Municipal Solid Waste,” which it notes is the “largest waste type segment” propelled by “rapid urbanization.” It discusses services like “Collection & Transportation” and “Treatment & Disposal,” which are central to managing the environmental impact of waste in cities.

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 highlights the management of “Hazardous Waste” and “Electronic Waste (e-waste)” as critical market segments. It mentions the surge in “imports of specialized waste treatment equipment” and the growing emphasis on “hazardous waste remediation,” which are actions aimed at the environmentally sound management of dangerous waste streams.
   • Target 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse.
     
     Explanation: This target is a core theme of the article. It emphasizes that “recycling & reuse” is the “dominating subsegment” due to “circular economy policies.” The article provides concrete examples, such as “new recycling plants in China” and the European Union’s directive that is “bolstering recycling rates,” directly aligning with the goal of reducing waste through recycling and reuse.

3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   • Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes…
     
     Explanation: The article extensively discusses the role of technology and infrastructure in modernizing the waste management industry. It points to “integration of advanced technologies such as IoT-enabled waste tracking and AI-based sorting systems,” “automated sorting and energy recovery systems,” and “investments in sustainable waste management infrastructure” as key drivers of efficiency and growth, which directly corresponds to upgrading industrial processes and infrastructure.

4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation…
     
     Explanation: The article is a market report that quantifies the economic growth of the waste management sector. It forecasts the market to grow from “USD 2,358.7 billion in 2025” to “USD 3,431.15 billion by 2032,” attributing this growth to “technological advancements” and “innovation adoption.” This demonstrates economic growth driven by technological upgrading, as specified in the target.

5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.
     
     Explanation: The article explicitly identifies a key market trend as the “rise in public-private partnerships for waste infrastructure projects, especially in emerging economies.” This directly reflects the promotion and implementation of partnerships to achieve sustainable development goals in the waste sector.

3. 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: Growth in municipal composting initiatives.
     
     Explanation: The article states that “small-scale municipal composting initiatives in Europe grew by 18% in 2024,” which serves as a direct quantitative measure of progress in managing municipal organic waste.
   • Indicator: Rising fees for waste collection.
     
     Explanation: The mention of “average collection fees rising 4.2% annually” implies an expansion and formalization of waste collection services, a key component of municipal waste management.

2. For Target 12.5 (Waste Reduction and Recycling):

   • Indicator: Increase in recycling rates and capacity.
     
     Explanation: The article provides specific data points, such as “new recycling plants in China have increased plastic waste processing by over 20%” and the “European Union’s Waste Framework Directive updates in 2024, bolstering recycling rates by over 25%.” These percentages are direct indicators of recycling performance.
   • Indicator: Growth of the circular economy.
     
     Explanation: The article notes that “Circular economy initiatives are rapidly gaining traction,” which is a qualitative but important indicator of a systemic shift towards waste reduction and resource recovery.

3. For Target 12.4 (Hazardous Waste Management):

   • Indicator: Investment in specialized treatment equipment.
     
     Explanation: The report indicates that “imports of specialized waste treatment equipment have surged by 15% in the US during 2024, driven by escalating e-waste volumes,” serving as a financial indicator of increased capacity to manage hazardous waste.

4. For Target 9.4 (Sustainable Infrastructure and Technology):

   • Indicator: Adoption of smart technologies.
     
     Explanation: The article highlights the “integration of smart waste management technologies such as IoT-enabled sensors and blockchain” and the implementation of “AI-driven fleet management… reducing operational costs by 12%.” These are clear indicators of technological upgrading in the industry.
   • Indicator: Increase in waste-to-energy capacity.
     
     Explanation: The “14% increase in waste-to-energy capacity installations in the US during 2024” is a specific metric showing investment in infrastructure that converts waste into a resource.

5. For Target 8.2 (Economic Growth):

   • Indicator: Market size and growth rate.
     
     Explanation: The article’s primary focus is on economic performance, providing precise figures such as the market’s projected growth to “USD 3,431.15 billion by 2032” at a “CAGR of 5.5%.” This is a direct indicator of economic growth in the sector.

6. For Target 17.17 (Partnerships):

   • Indicator: Trend in public-private partnerships (PPPs).
     
     Explanation: The article identifies the “rise in public-private partnerships for waste infrastructure projects” as a key market trend, implying an increase in the number and value of such collaborations, which is an indicator of progress for this target.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: openpr.com