U.S. Solid Waste Management Market (2025 - 2033) Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Category (Hazardous Waste, Non-hazardous Waste), By Service Type (Collection, Transportation, Disposal), By Waste Type (Municipal, Industrial, Agriculture), And Segment Forecasts

U.S. Solid Waste Management Market Summary

As population density rises and consumption patterns shift, municipal and industrial waste volumes are growing, requiring more advanced and efficient waste handling systems. Strict environmental regulations from agencies like the EPA are pushing municipalities and private players to invest in sustainable waste practices, including waste-to-energy, recycling, and composting solutions.

Technological advancements such as smart bins, AI-powered optical sorters, and automation are improving operational efficiency and accuracy in waste segregation and material recovery. Public awareness around environmental protection and circular economy practices is also influencing both policy and consumer behavior, driving demand for better waste management infrastructure.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

The U.S. solid waste management market is moderately fragmented, with a mix of large national players and numerous regional or local service providers. Major companies like Waste Management and Republic Services dominate urban centers, while smaller firms serve specific regions or niche sectors. Varying local regulations, service demands, and infrastructure levels create opportunities for diverse players, preventing full market consolidation and maintaining a competitive, yet segmented, industry landscape.

The U.S. solid waste management industry is experiencing steady innovation through AI-powered sorting systems, smart bins, automation, and waste-to-energy technologies. These advancements aim to improve recycling rates, reduce landfill use, and increase operational efficiency. Innovation is also driven by sustainability goals and regulatory pressure, prompting companies to invest in cleaner, data-driven, and more efficient waste management solutions.

Mergers and acquisitions play a key role in the U.S. market for solid waste management. Large firms are acquiring regional players to expand geographic reach, increase service capacity, and access new technologies. These activities help streamline operations, reduce competition, and accelerate the adoption of advanced waste processing systems, contributing to industry consolidation and improved service efficiency across the country.

Regulations significantly shape the market. Federal, state, and local governments enforce strict environmental laws regarding landfill diversion, recycling mandates, and emissions reduction. Compliance requirements drive investment in sustainable infrastructure and advanced sorting technologies. These rules push companies toward greener practices, influencing business models, technology adoption, and long-term operational strategies across the sector.

Drivers, Opportunities & Restraints

A major driver for the U.S. solid waste management market growth is the growing volume of municipal and industrial waste due to urbanization and increased consumerism. This surge in waste generation necessitates efficient collection, processing, and disposal systems, pushing both public and private sectors to invest in modern waste management infrastructure and sustainable practices.

An emerging opportunity lies in the expansion of recycling and composting infrastructure. With rising public awareness and regulatory support for circular economy initiatives, there is strong potential for innovation in material recovery, organic waste processing, and sustainable product lifecycle management. Companies that invest in these areas can tap into the growing demand for environmentally responsible waste solutions.

A key challenge in the U.S. solid waste management industry is the high cost and complexity of implementing advanced technologies and infrastructure. Smaller municipalities and companies often lack funding, and inconsistent regulations across states hinder unified progress. Additionally, labor shortages and public resistance to new facilities can delay or limit project execution.

Category Insights

Non-hazardous waste dominated the market in 2024, accounting for the highest revenue share at 94.3%. This can be attributed to the increasing municipal solid waste from households, commercial centers, and institutions. Rising urban populations and consumer goods consumption are driving demand for efficient waste collection, recycling, and landfill services. Regulatory focus on landfill diversion and sustainability further supports investment in advanced non-hazardous waste management solutions.

The hazardous waste segment is expected to grow at a considerable CAGR of 3.7% over the forecast period in response to stricter environmental regulations and industrial expansion. Growth in sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, and chemicals increases hazardous waste generation, requiring specialized handling, treatment, and disposal. Enhanced compliance standards and safety protocols are pushing companies to adopt certified waste management services and invest in advanced containment and treatment technologies.

Service Type Insights

The collection segment dominated the U.S. solid waste management industry in 2024, accounting for the highest revenue share at 59.8%. This can be attributed to the rising residential and commercial waste volumes driven by urbanization and population growth. Increased demand for efficient curbside pickup, smart collection systems, and public-private service contracts is driving investment in fleet upgrades, route optimization, and digital tracking technologies to improve reliability and cost-efficiency.

The disposal segment is expected to grow at a considerable CAGR of 5.7% during the forecast period, as landfills reach capacity and stricter disposal regulations take effect. Demand is rising for advanced treatment methods, including incineration, composting, and waste-to-energy solutions. Environmental concerns and regulatory compliance are encouraging municipalities and private operators to upgrade facilities, reduce landfill dependency, and implement more sustainable and technologically advanced disposal practices.

Waste Type Insights

The industrial segment dominated the U.S. solid waste management market in 2024, holding the largest revenue share at 69.4% due to increased manufacturing, construction, and energy sector activity. As industrial output rises, so does the need for specialized waste handling and disposal. Stricter environmental regulations and sustainability goals are also driving investment in advanced, compliant waste processing technologies tailored to industrial needs.

The municipal segment is expected to grow at a considerable CAGR of 6.6% over the forecast period, fueled by rising urban populations, consumerism, and residential waste generation. Local governments are expanding curbside collection, recycling programs, and public awareness campaigns. Increasing regulatory focus on landfill diversion and waste reduction is encouraging the adoption of smarter collection systems and sustainable municipal waste management solutions across cities and towns.

Key U.S. Solid Waste Management Company Insights

Some of the key players operating in the market include Waste Management Inc.; Republic Services, Inc.; Veolia; and Waste Connection, Inc.

• Waste Management (WM) operates across several core verticals within the waste and recycling sector. The company’s primary focus lies in residential waste and recycling pickup, offering curbside collection services for both regular household garbage and recyclable materials through single-stream systems. It also provides special materials management, handling items such as electronics, paint, batteries, and household chemicals through specialized collection programs.

• Republic Services operates through several key verticals to deliver comprehensive environmental solutions. Its core business includes residential, commercial, and industrial waste collection, supported by a network of transfer stations and landfills for efficient disposal.

Recent Developments

• In June 2025, Veolia expanded its hazardous waste treatment capacity, adding 530,000 tonnes annually through new facilities and strategic acquisitions in the U.S., Japan, and Brazil. This move strengthens Veolia’s leadership and ability to meet growing global demand and regulatory requirements in the hazardous waste sector.

• In July 2025, Casella Waste Systems announced the acquisition of Mountain State Waste, a provider of residential, commercial, and industrial waste services in West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky. The deal, generating around USD 30 billion in annual revenues, expands Casella’s regional presence and strengthens its service capabilities in the Eastern U.S. solid waste market.

U.S. Solid Waste Management Market Report Scope

U.S. Solid Waste Management Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at the country level and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2021 to 2033. For this study, Grand View Research, Inc. has segmented the U.S. solid waste management market report based on category, service type, and waste type:

• Category Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2021 - 2033)

  • Hazardous Waste

    • Industrial Sludges

    • Asbestos-containing Material

    • Hazardous E-waste

    • Spent Solvents Contaminated Solids

    • Others

  • Non-Hazardous Waste

    • MSW

    • C&D Waste

    • Compostable Organic Waste

    • Other

• Service Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2021 - 2033)

  • Collection

  • Transportation

  • Disposal

    • Landfilling

    • Waste-to-Energy

    • Composting

    • Fuel Blending

    • Other 

• Waste Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2021 - 2033)

  • Municipal

  • Industrial

  • Agriculture