Medical Waste Management Market – By Type of Waste, By Service, By Waste Generator, Global Forecast, 2025 to 2034

Medical Waste Management Market Size

The global medical waste management market size was valued at around USD 15.7 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow at 7.4% CAGR from 2025 to 2034. Medical waste management encompasses the processes and practices employed to handle, treat, and dispose of waste generated by healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and research centers. This waste category includes materials that may pose risks to public health or the environment, such as infectious substances, sharps, hazardous chemicals, and expired pharmaceuticals.
 

The global expansion of healthcare infrastructure, encompassing hospitals, clinics, research facilities, and laboratories, is leading to a significant uptick in medical waste generation. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that high-income countries generate up to 0.5 kg of hazardous waste daily for each hospital bed, in contrast to the 0.2 kg average in low-income nations. This escalating waste production fuels a consistent demand for scalable and efficient waste management solutions.
 

Moreover, the health risks associated with improper medical waste disposal ranging from the transmission of infectious diseases to environmental contamination have heightened awareness among healthcare providers and regulatory bodies. The WHO cautions that insufficient treatment of healthcare waste can promote the spread of drug-resistant microorganisms in the environment, amplifying the urgency for stringent waste management protocols. This heightened awareness emphasizes the necessity for thorough training and education in waste handling and disposal practices within healthcare facilities.
 

In addition, stringent regulations from governments and international health organizations regarding the handling, treatment, and disposal of medical waste are propelling the adoption of robust waste management systems. For instance, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which enforces the Medical Waste Tracking Act, setting forth standards for medical waste management. Such regulatory frameworks not only amplify the demand for specialized waste management services and equipment but also spotlight the pressing need for innovation in waste treatment technologies to align with ever-evolving compliance mandates.
 

Medical Waste Management Market Trends

• Growing awareness of public safety and environmental health is positively influencing the market. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical role of proper medical waste management in emergency situations. The pandemic led to a significant increase in medical waste, with personal protective equipment (PPE), accounting for a large portion of this waste.
   
• The WHO reported that approximately 87,000 tonnes of PPE were procured between March 2020 and November 2021, most of which ended up as waste. This surge underscores the importance of effective solid waste management practices.
   
• Additionally, proper medical waste management includes accurate identification, collection, separation, storage, and transportation of waste, as well as safe disinfection practices and healthcare worker training.
   
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes the importance of these practices, stating that proper management of medical waste is crucial for preventing the spread of infections and protecting healthcare workers, patients, and the environment. This focus on safety and compliance has driven improvements in waste management protocols across healthcare facilities.
   
• Furthermore, supportive regulatory environments and research funding for effective waste management during the pandemic created significant growth opportunities for market players. For instance, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provided guidance and resources for managing medical waste during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping to standardize practices and promote safe disposal methods. These regulatory efforts have contributed to the advancement of medical waste management technologies and services.
   

Medical Waste Management Market Analysis

Based on type of waste, the market is bifurcated into hazardous and non-hazardous. The non-hazardous segment dominated the market with the largest revenue share of 76.7% in 2024.
 

• The increasing number of healthcare facilities, particularly in urban and developing areas, is resulting in a significant rise in non-hazardous waste production. The proliferation of clinics, laboratories, and hospitals contributes to higher volumes of disposable and non-infectious waste, creating a need for efficient and cost-effective disposal solutions.
   
• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 85% of the total waste produced by healthcare activities is general, non-hazardous waste. This substantial volume of waste underscores the importance of effective management strategies in the healthcare sector.
   
• Additionally, efficient management of non-hazardous waste can decrease operational costs by reducing disposal expenses and optimizing resource allocation. Healthcare providers are increasingly exploring strategies to improve waste handling, including proper waste sorting and diverting recyclable materials from landfills.
   
• By implementing comprehensive waste management programs, healthcare facilities can not only reduce their environmental impact but also enhance patient and staff safety, thereby promoting segmental growth.
   

Based on service, the medical waste management market is segmented into collection, transportation and storage services, treatment and disposable services, recycling services, and other services. The treatment and disposable services segment is further sub-segmented into incineration, autoclaving, microwaving, and other treatment and disposable services. The recycling services segment dominated the market with the largest revenue of USD 5 billion in 2024.
 

• Medical waste recycling services focus on the safe collection, treatment, and repurposing of specific healthcare waste types, including plastics, metals, and non-infectious materials. These services aim to minimize environmental impact by diverting waste from landfills and converting suitable medical waste into reusable materials or energy.
   
• Furthermore, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) reports that improper disposal of medical waste can lead to soil and water pollution, highlighting the need for effective recycling programs. As a result, healthcare facilities worldwide are increasingly implementing comprehensive waste management plans that incorporate recycling as a key component, contributing to both environmental protection and resource conservation efforts in the healthcare sector.
   
• Additionally, stringent environmental regulations in many countries require healthcare facilities to recycle certain waste types or reduce landfill contributions. These regulatory requirements and associated incentives drive the adoption of recycling solutions in the medical waste management sector. This regulatory focus underscores the growing importance of recycling in medical waste management strategies.
   

Based on waste generator, the medical waste management market is segmented into hospitals, laboratories and research centres, nursing homes, and other waste generators. The laboratories and research centres segment dominated the market with the largest revenue of USD 5.7 billion in 2024.
 

• Laboratories must comply with strict regulations for waste handling and disposal, including those established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Adherence to these standards ensures public safety and environmental protection, fueling the demand for specialized waste management services.
   
• Additionally, research facilities handle various infectious agents, chemical substances, and potentially hazardous materials. The WHO estimates that 15% of waste generated by healthcare activities is considered hazardous material that may be infectious, toxic, or radioactive.
   
• Effective waste management is crucial to prevent contamination, minimize health risks for staff, and avoid disease transmission, particularly concerning biological waste. This underscores the importance of implementing comprehensive waste management strategies in laboratory and research settings to protect both human health and the environment.
   

• The U.S. medical waste management market is projected to grow significantly, reaching USD 11.1 billion by 2034.
   
• Increasing public and institutional awareness regarding the environmental and health risks of improper medical waste disposal is driving change in the industry. Concerns about water and soil contamination, along with potential disease transmission, have highlighted the critical need for proper waste treatment. As a result, healthcare facilities are implementing more stringent waste management practices.
   
• Additionally, in the U.S., infection control standards require the use of disposable items, particularly in post-COVID-19 environments where infection prevention remains crucial.
   
• The widespread adoption of disposable personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks, gloves, and gowns has significantly increased medical waste volumes. The Healthcare Plastics Recycling Council reports that healthcare facilities in the U.S. generate approximately 14,000 tons of waste per day, with a significant portion being disposable items.
   
• This surge in waste generation is fueling demand for efficient disposal solutions capable of handling large quantities of medical waste. The increased focus on proper medical waste management is likely to drive innovation in disposal technologies and practices to meet the growing demand while minimizing environmental impact.
   

The medical waste management market in UK is expected to experience significant and promising growth from 2025 to 2034.
 

• The National Health Service (NHS) has set a target to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, with an interim goal for 2030 focusing on emissions under its direct control. According to the NHS England and NHS Improvement report, the NHS currently produces 5.4% of the UK's total carbon emissions, equivalent to the greenhouse gas emissions of 11 coal-fired power stations.
   
• This ambitious initiative is prompting hospitals and healthcare providers to implement more sustainable waste management practices, including waste reduction, reuse, and recycling, while minimizing incineration. These efforts are crucial for the NHS to meet its environmental targets and reduce its overall carbon footprint.
   

Japan medical waste management market is anticipated to witness lucrative growth between 2025 to 2034.
 

• Japan demonstrates a robust commitment to environmental sustainability through stringent regulations on medical waste treatment, disposal, and recycling. The Waste Management and Public Cleansing Law and Industrial Waste Management Law establish comprehensive guidelines for healthcare waste handling, imposing penalties for non-compliance. This regulatory framework compels healthcare facilities to implement rigorous waste management protocols, contributing to Japan's overall efforts in sustainable waste management.
   
• The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes Japan's advanced waste management system, noting its emphasis on the 3R principle: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Japan's approach to medical waste management aligns with WHO's global action plan on antimicrobial resistance, which emphasizes the importance of proper healthcare waste management in preventing the spread of infections. This alignment underscores Japan's role as a global leader in sustainable healthcare practices and environmental protection.
   

The medical waste management market in Saudi Arabia is expected to experience significant and promising growth from 2025 to 2034.
 

• Saudi Arabia's substantial investment in its healthcare sector, including the establishment of new hospitals, clinics, research centers, and specialized medical facilities nationwide, is generating increased volumes of medical waste. With Saudi Arabia's healthcare expansion, the volume of medical waste is expected to rise proportionally, driving demand for efficient and scalable waste management solutions. This trend underscores the growing importance of advanced medical waste management systems in the region.
   

Medical Waste Management Market Share

The market is competitive, featuring both major global companies and numerous smaller firms. A key strategy for participants is investing in the development of advanced medical waste management technologies, such as steam sterilization, microwave technology, and plasma pyrolysis, to enhance accuracy and efficiency. Strategic partnerships with research institutions and healthcare providers are crucial for integrating modern technologies and expanding distribution, enabling companies to address the rising demand for non-invasive and cost-effective diagnostic solutions. Regulatory support and streamlined approval processes further drive innovation and market entry, solidifying the position of firms within the growing market.
 

Medical Waste Management Market Companies

Some of the eminent market participants operating in the medical waste management industry include:

• Bertin Technologies
• BioMedical Waste Solutions
• Clean Harbors
• Daniels Sharpsmart
• Environmental Solutions Group
• Gamma Waste Systems
• GRP & Associates
• MedPro Disposal
• Republic Services
• Stericycle AG
• Suez Recycling and Recovery
• Triumvirate Environmental
• US Ecology
• Veolia Environmental Services
• Waste Management
   

Medical Waste Management Industry News:

• In June 2024, Waste Management, Inc. (WM) announced the acquisition of Stericycle, a leading provider of regulated medical waste and compliance services, for a total enterprise value of approximately USD 7.2 billion. This acquisition strengthened WM's position in the healthcare waste management sector, expanding its service offerings and enhancing its capabilities in regulated waste and compliance services.
   
• In August 2022, Brightmark, a global waste solutions provider, and Jamar Health Products, a Wisconsin-based healthcare product manufacturer, announced a strategic partnership aimed at recycling plastic medical waste. Brightmark offered a sustainable and circular solution for recycling and converting Jamar's proprietary plastic PATRAN slide sheets into low-carbon fuels and the foundational elements for circular plastics. This partnership boosted significant environmental benefits by reducing plastic waste and promoting a circular economy.

The medical waste management market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2021 – 2034 for the following segments:

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Market, By Type of Waste

• Hazardous
• Non-hazardous

Market, By Service

• Collection, transportation and storage services
• Treatment and disposable services
  • Incineration
  • Autoclaving
  • Microwaving
  • Other treatment and disposable services
• Recycling services
• Other services

Market, By Waste Generator

• Hospitals
• Laboratories and research centers
• Nursing homes
• Other waste generators

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America 
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe 
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
• Asia Pacific 
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
• Latin America 
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
• Middle East and Africa 
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE