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.
Authors:
Mariam Faizullabhoy , Gauri Wani
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :
The global medical waste management industry was valued at approximately USD 15.7 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a 7.4% CAGR from 2025 to 2034, driven by the increasing number of healthcare facilities.
The non-hazardous segment held the largest revenue share of 76.7% in 2024 due to the significant rise in non-hazardous waste production from the proliferation of clinics, laboratories, and hospitals.
The U.S. medical waste management market is projected to reach USD 11.1 billion by 2034, driven by heightened public and institutional awareness regarding the environmental and health risks of improper medical waste disposal.
Key players in the sector include Bertin Technologies, BioMedical Waste Solutions, Clean Harbors, Daniels Sharpsmart, Environmental Solutions Group, Gamma Waste Systems, GRP & Associates, MedPro Disposal, Republic Services, and Stericycle AG.