Plastic Waste Management Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Service (Collection, Recycling), By Source (Plastic Bags, Plastic Bottles), By Polymer, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

Plastic Waste Management Market Trends

The global plastic waste management market size was estimated at USD 36.78 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.6% from 2024 to 2030. Increasing concern about the environmental impact of improper plastic waste management, rising industrialization, and urbanization are anticipated to drive the market over the forecast period. With increased environmental awareness among governments, companies, and end-users, there is a growing emphasis on minimizing the environmental footprint of plastic waste. Furthermore, the growing demand for sustainable plastic disposable methods by plastic packaging manufacturers is driving the market.

In the U.S., an important factor driving the market is the growing investment by the federal government to strengthen the recycling infrastructure. This investment translates into the upgradation and expansion of recycling infrastructure. For instance, in September 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a significant investment of over USD 100.0 million from President Biden's Investing in America program. This funding is designated to enhance recycling facilities and waste management operations nationwide, marking the Environmental Protection Agency's most significant investment in recycling in over 30 years. This move is vital for advancing sustainable waste management efforts, thus driving forward the plastic waste management sector.

Additionally, at the global level, the rising importance of circular economy strategies is fueling the need for plastic waste management services. Circular economic strategies encourages the repurposing and recycling of plastic, which decreases waste and saves natural resources. Globally, companies are embracing circular economic models, investing in sophisticated recycling technologies to efficiently reclaim, categorize, and process plastic waste. This movement towards circular economics is propelled by dependence on limited resources, and incorporation of sustainable development goals thereby creating a sustainable value chain for recyclable plastic.

Moreover, improvements in living standards, especially in emerging economies, have also increased the use of plastic in packaging. Thus, plastic pollution poses a severe threat to the environment and human and animal life. Poor management of plastic waste, especially in developing countries, is the primary source of plastic pollution. Thus, increasing plastics production coupled with growing concerns pertaining to plastic waste treatment is expected to offer new avenues for the plastic waste management industry, thereby driving the overall market growth over the forecast period.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

The market growth stage is medium, and the pace of the market growth is accelerating. The market is characterized by a high degree of competition owing to the various cost-efficient technologies adopted by the market players to improve their plastic waste management capability. Further, emerging economies witnessed rapid growth in the investment in plastic recycling infrastructure, thereby driving the competition between the market players.

The market is also characterized by a high degree of new service launches, which results in the development of plastic waste management. For instance, in March 2022, Republic Services, Inc. unveiled plans for an integrated plastic recycling center in the U.S., aimed at meeting the rising need for recycled plastic among consumer brands and packaging producers, thus facilitating an enhanced circular economy for plastic in the U.S. This innovative polymer facility is set to cater to the growing demand for recycled plastics in consumer packaging, assisting consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands in achieving their sustainability objectives. Such new service launches can lead to increased market penetration for a market player, by entering into new segments and expanding its customer base.

The market is slightly fragmented, with a few major players such as Veolia Environnement S.A., Republic Services Inc., and Biffa PLC dominating it and some smaller companies competing in space. The key players' strategies most often involve acquisitions and regional expansion.

Regulations such as the Plastic Bags Directive in Europe and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) in the U.S. significantly impact the plastic waste management market. In addition, environmental requirements such as recycling targets and landfill diversion mandates incentivize businesses and local governments to invest in recycling infrastructure, which is an important driver for the market.

Service Insights

The landfills segment dominated the market and accounted for 45.2% in 2023 owing to the presence of a lesser number of incineration and recycling plants. The landfill is the primary treatment method used for waste disposal management globally. Landfills are used to dispose of all types of waste, wherein some are designed for the management of municipal solid waste while others are used for the disposal management of commercial and institutional waste.

The recycling segment is anticipated to witness high growth over the forecast period, owing to stringent government policies and a significant rise in infrastructure for recycling plastic. Recycled plastic has a wide variety of usage in producing cloths, carpets, garbage bags, films, containers, and bottles. Furthermore, the rising circular economy initiatives and sustainability measures are driving the plastic recycling service.

Polymer Insights

The polypropylene (PP) segment is likely to dominate the market in 2023 owing to its outstanding properties including high chemical resistance, fatigue resistance, and weldability. Polypropylene is easily available, low cost, and can adapt numerous fabrication techniques which makes it highly suitable for household and industrial applications.

The low-density polyethylene (LDPE) segment is anticipated to witness high growth over the forecast period. The LDPE has higher recycling ability. LDPE is extensively used to produce flexible and thin products including bags, container lids, toys, shrink-wrap and stretch film, and squeezable bottles. Furthermore, recycled LDPE is used to produce floor tile, garbage can liners, furniture, paneling, compost bins, and trashcans.

Source Insights

The plastic bags segment dominated the market in 2023, primarily due to the widespread usage and disposal of these items across various sectors, including retail, food services, and households. Plastic bags, being lightweight and cost-effective, have been the preferred choice for carrying goods, leading to their massive production and, consequently, to significant waste generation.

Plastic containers & cutlery have long been at the forefront of the plastic waste management market, largely due to their widespread use and the challenges they present in recycling processes. For instance, single-use items like water bottles, takeout containers, and plastic forks and spoons are used in daily life, contributing significantly to global plastic waste.

Their convenience and low cost have made them staples in food packaging and consumer products, but they also represent a substantial portion of the plastic that ends up in landfills and oceans. Efforts to manage this waste have included initiatives to improve recycling technologies, encourage the use of biodegradable alternatives, and implement policies aimed at reducing the use of single-use plastics.

Regional Insights

The plastic waste management market of North America is characterized by stringent environmental regulations. Moreover, the increasing consciousness regarding the impact of plastic waste on environment among consumers, governments, and corporations is creating the need for plastic waste management.

U.S. Plastic Waste Management Market Trends

The U.S. plastic waste management market accounted for 77.3% of the regional revenue share in 2023. The market is significantly influenced by rules and mandates set by state and federal government, including policies such as the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program. 

Europe Plastic Waste Management Market Trends

Europe plastic waste management market is characterized by stringent government regulations related to plastic waste management. Moreover, the move towards circular economy frameworks in Europe, with a focus on plastic recycling, is propelling the market forward.

The plastic waste management market in Germany accounts for 26.4% of the regional revenue. The need for managing plastic waste in Germany is influenced by the German government's adoption of a five-point plan to minimize plastic waste. Furthermore, advancements in innovation and technological development within the plastic waste management sector are propelling the market.

France plastic waste management market is expected to grow significantly as there is a significant focus on promoting sustainable waste management practices among both consumers and policymakers. Furthermore, the adoption of circular economy concepts and the provision of tax benefits for using recycled plastics are encouraging investment in the plastic waste management sector.

Asia Pacific Plastic Waste Management Market Trends

The plastic waste management market of Asia Pacific led the global market and accounted for 49.9% of the global revenue share in 2023 due to increasing industrial activities combined with strict regulations regarding disposal methods and the recycling of plastic waste. Continuous economic growth, together with the growing emphasis on reducing the ecological footprint of plastics in countries, is propelling the market significantly in the region.

China plastic waste management market held 55.3% of the Asia Pacific market. The Chinese government has embraced sustainability goals in response to the surge in plastic waste, a consequence of swift industrialization and urbanization.

The plastic waste management market of India is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% over the forecast period due to government initiatives and regulations. For instance, Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) announced the Plastic waste management rules (2022) to manage plastic waste more sustainably by introducing the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) approach.

Central & South America Plastic Waste Management Market Trends

Central & South America plastic waste management market is expected to witness significant growth owing to the need for sustainable waste management solutions. The expansion of urban areas has led to increased plastic waste production, necessitating plastic waste management and recycling.

The plastic waste management market of Brazil isprojected to grow at a CAGR of 3.8% over the forecast period, owing to stringent government regulations and resource conservation. The National Policy for Solid Waste Treatment and increasing public-private partnerships in waste management act as market drivers for plastic waste management in the country.

Middle East & Africa Plastic Waste Management Market Trends

Middle East and Africa plastic waste management market is driven by the increase in industrial activities, expanding populations, and growth in urbanization

The plastic waste management market in Saudi Arabia is projected to grow with a CAGR of 3.4% over the forecast period. The increasing environmental consciousness and strict rules focused on reducing waste and safeguarding the environment fuel the need to manage plastic waste.

Key Plastic Waste Management Company Insights

Some of the key players operating in the market include Veolia Environments S.A., Republic Services Inc., and Biffa PLC.

• Veolia Environments S.A. was incorporated in 1853 as Compagnie Générale des Eaux and is headquartered in Aubervilliers, France. It provides air quality management, waste management, and industrial cleaning services. The company offers its services through three business segments: water, waste, and energy. It provides various solutions, such as energy services for buildings, total waste management, desalination, cooling system management, landfill, biogas recovery, and drinking water production to municipal and industrial clients worldwide.

• Biffa, an integrated waste management company, was established in 1912 and is headquartered in High Wycombe, UK. The company is involved in Plastic Containers & Cutlery Wrappers, Plastic Caps and Closures, Industrial Packaging, municipal and household waste collection, and resources & energy services. It provides waste processing and treatment solutions across the UK and has over 8,000 employees. Services offered by the company through its business waste segment include glass recycling, plastic recycling, metal recycling, general waste collection, hazardous waste collection & treatment, unplanned waste removal, and asbestos waste removal.

Stericycle , Progressive Waste Solutions Ltd., and . are some of the emerging market participants in the market.

• Stericycle was established in 1989 and is headquartered in Illinois, U.S. The company operates through four major business segments: waste services, communication services, brand protection services, and other specialty services & products. It offers waste services, including collection, transportation, and disposal of bio-hazardous, industrial hazardous, pharmaceutical, and household waste.

• Progressive Waste Solutions Ltd offers a wide range of waste management and recycling services tailored for businesses for hospitality, private sector, health & fitness, hair & beauty, and construction & manufacturing. The Company provides a range of waste containers used for general waste and mixed recycling.

Recent Developments

• In November 2023, Republic Services, Inc. and Blue Polymers, LLC collaborated in Indianapolis on the first innovative plastics recycling complex in the U.S. This collaboration features the establishment of the Republic Services Polymer Center alongside Blue Polymers' cutting-edge polymer production facility. This project aims to promote the circularity of plastics and provide recycled materials for sustainable packaging and various other uses.

• From January 2022, REMONDIS is collaborating with top retailers in Germany to guarantee that approximately 18 billion used drink containers are recycled annually, preventing many from being incinerated or discarded along roadsides. The deposit scheme's structure provides significant benefits for retailers.

Plastic Waste Management Market Report Scope

Global Plastic Waste Management Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global plastic waste management market report based on service, source, polymer, and region.

• Service Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

  • Collection

  • Recycling

  • Incineration

  • Landfills

• Source Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

  • Plastic Bags

  • Plastic Bottles

  • Plastic Containers & Cutlery

  • Wrappers

  • Plastic Caps And Closures

  • Industrial Packaging

  • Others

• Polymer Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

  • Polypropylene (PP)

  • Low-density Polyethylene (LDPE)

  • High-density Polyethylene (HDPE)

  • Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

  • Polyurethane (PUR)

  • Polystyrene (PS)

  • Terephthalate (PET)

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • France

    • UK

    • Spain

    • Italy

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

    • South Korea

    • Australia

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

  • Middle East & Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE