Plastic waste is generally understood as the environmental accumulation of used plastic items. Using single-serve products accounts for more than half of all plastic production worldwide. When dumped, this plastic can stay intact for long and is not biodegradable. Severe problems with the environment and with human health result from improper handling of plastic garbage. Plastic easily contaminates land and water resources by releasing toxic chemicals. Through the food chain, when humans consume marine organisms that eat plastic waste, it causes cancer, immunological diseases, or congenital disabilities. Adoption of this waste management method for plastics is thus required due to the rising demand for plastic products.

Contamination of land and aquatic bodies occurs due to improper plastic trash disposal. Plastic waste can disturb ecosystems, discharge toxic compounds into the environment, impact aquatic life, and perhaps enter the food chain. Cleaning up plastic trash from streets, beaches, and public spaces consumes substantial resources from governments and municipalities. Furthermore, managing plastic garbage at landfills and recycling facilities is expensive. Plastic garbage must be disposed of properly to avoid contaminating agricultural lands and water supplies and harming the health of livestock and crops. Plastic garbage builds up due to insufficient waste management infrastructure in many areas, increasing the danger of environmental pollution and its related health effects.

Governments, organizations, and individuals are now more aware than ever of the adverse effects that plastic pollution has on ecosystems, wildlife, and natural resources, which has led them to take proactive measures to solve the problem. Governments worldwide are putting in place legal efforts to reduce plastic waste, including restrictions on single-use plastics, the creation of extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs, and requirements for improved waste management procedures. There is an increasing need for sustainable solutions and ethical consumption habits as public awareness of the negative consequences of plastic waste grows. Customers are actively looking for alternatives to disposable plastics and supporting companies emphasizing environmental sustainability.

The global Plastic Waste Management market was valued at around US $33.9 BN in 2022 and is expected to reach US $XX by 2030 with a CAGR of ~3.2% during the forecast period. 

Factors Driving the Market

Drivers

Initiatives by Leading Players

Many top international businesses operating along the entire value chain for plastic have come together to stop plastic pollution. For instance, a new global "Alliance to End Plastic Waste" was founded in London in January 2019 by more than 30 international businesses to combat plastic pollution, particularly waste that finds its way into the oceans. 1.5 billion dollars will be invested in this cooperation over the next five years. Additionally, it has created a broad vision and comprehensive solutions to address this problem. These initiatives focus on four main areas: infrastructure development, cutting-edge plastic waste management technology, education and community participation at all levels, and the cleanup of concentrated plastic pollution-affected areas already in existence. Moreover, By 2030, Coca-Cola plans to have globally collected and recycled the equivalent of every bottle or can it sells. The business is focusing on creating packaging that is more environmentally friendly, using recycled materials, and supporting programs that enhance recycling infrastructure.

Restrain

High Operating Cost

Due to the complex procedures required in collection, sorting, recycling, and disposal, high operational expenses present a significant problem in plastic waste management. The financial burden is brought on by several factors, such as building and maintaining waste management infrastructure, buying and updating cutting-edge technology, and hiring and training qualified staff to manage operations effectively. Logistics and transportation costs also play a part because plastic waste needs to be gathered from various sources and transported to facilities for recycling or disposal. Requiring exacting quality control procedures to ensure the caliber of recycled materials and compliance with standards raises operational costs. Additionally, changes in the market can affect the revenue from recycling programs, and consumer education campaigns and environmental compliance also require resources. Sustainable plastic waste management requires a multifaceted strategy incorporating effective resource allocation, technical innovation, and public awareness initiatives to reduce these costs.

Trends

Machine Learning (ML) and big data

By providing data-driven solutions to address the problems caused by plastic pollution, machine learning (ML) and big data are transforming the management of plastic waste. Automating the identification of different plastic types, increasing recycling efficiency, and lowering contamination are all possible thanks to ML's sophisticated algorithms, which expedite the waste sorting and segregation procedures. Predictive analytics, which enables precise estimates of the generation of plastic trash based on past data, brings the power of big data into play and supports resource allocation and waste collection planning. Additionally, ML algorithms reduce operational expenses and limit environmental effects by optimizing waste collection routes using real-time traffic data and fill-level information from IoT sensors. As ML processes satellite imagery to track plastic waste, these technologies also impact marine conservation activities, boosting campaigns to clean up our oceans. Targeted awareness efforts to encourage responsible plastic use are guided by ML's analysis of customer behavior and sentiment, which also helps to create products for a circular economy. As ML and big data develop, they greatly influence the creation of policies, the openness of the supply chain, and the identification of novel materials, collectively transforming plastic waste management methods worldwide.

Market Segmentation

By Source

The market is divided into municipal waste and industrial waste based on the source. The largest and fastest-growing market category among these is industrial waste. The primary source of plastic garbage is considered to be industrial waste. This segment's expansion is primarily related to the developing economies' quick industrialization. Manufacturing firms are required by stringent environmental rules to dispose of plastic trash properly.

Furthermore, recycling plastic is crucial for achieving economically and environmentally sustainable objectives. Municipal plastic waste primarily comprises waste from business and residential properties. Separating plastic garbage from other municipal solid waste is crucial for the growth of this market. However, during the forecast period, the municipal waste segment is experiencing expansion due to population increase and growing urbanization. According to the World Bank, municipal plastic trash generates 12% of the world's total volume of plastic waste.

By Material

By Material, The global Plastic Waste Management market is categorized into polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, and others. The most widely produced and used polymer worldwide is polyethylene. In terms of usage, polypropylene was second, with a share of almost 35%, followed by HDPE, LDPE, and LLDPE. Polyethylene is widely used in many end-use industries, including packaging, construction, and electronics, because of its strong performance characteristics. Plastic trash has increased due to the prominence of single-use plastic products, many of which are made of polyethylene. There is an increased demand for disposable plastics driven by a consumer culture prioritizing convenience. Due to polyethylene's resilience to natural deterioration, waste builds up due to its persistence in the environment. Rapid urbanization has increased plastic use, overloading waste management systems in emerging nations. Because it is so inexpensive to produce, polyethylene is used widely, which leads to overconsumption and waste creation. The category's dominance in this market share is anticipated to be driven by the rising demand for polyethylene by these end-use industries. The sector is expected to develop faster than the overall market over the forecast period.

By Product Type

Based on product type, the global Plastic Waste Management market is categorized into packaging, construction, automotive, electrical & electronics, and others. In 2022, packaging had the highest revenue share of all of these. due to the growing use of plastic in manufacturing packaging products. Most packaging producers are switching to sustainable plastic packaging options to prevent growing plastic pollution. Consequently, it is anticipated that during the projection period, demand for plastic waste recycling procedures will increase.

Moreover, Companies are actively reducing plastic in packaging, using thinner materials, smaller sizes, and optimized shapes. They're creating easily recyclable packaging with clear labels to guide consumers and decrease recycling contamination. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs are being adopted, making manufacturers accountable for end-of-life packaging management and incentivizing recycling-friendly designs. Innovative packaging designs minimize material needs, like using fewer layers or eliminating extra protective elements.

By Treatment Method

Based on treatment method, the global Plastic Waste Management market is bifurcated into collection, recycling, and disposal. The collection segment had most of the market's revenue share in 2022. Plastic waste collection is a complicated procedure with high operating costs. In collecting plastic garbage, choosing optimum techniques and wise use of resources are crucial. The disposal segment had the second-largest market share. Landfilling and incineration are the other divisions of this section. Among them, in 2022, landfilling commanded the most significant market share. Except for European nations, many nations use landfills as a common technique for managing plastic garbage. Plastic trash disposed of properly can be used for recreational purposes.

By Regions

The market is divided by geography into North America, Europe, APAC, and others. The region with the most significant revenue share in 2022 was Asia Pacific. Moreover, the region is anticipated to expand the fastest during the forecast period. The necessity for this kind of waste management for plastics in the Asia Pacific is being fueled by rising per capita plastic trash creation and growing urbanization and industrialization. With a share of more than 60%, China is the country that contributes the most to the production of plastic waste. India is anticipated to develop at the quickest rate in the regional market during the anticipated period. Strict environmental regulations and high plastic trash collection rates are propelling the plastic waste management market's expansion in developed nations, including Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand. However, inadequate collection and management of waste and the development of a "throw-away culture" pose significant obstacles to market expansion in Asia Pacific's developing nations.

North America was the region with the second-highest revenue share in the global market. In terms of collection and treatment, the area is a seasoned market. The primary development element for the North American market is the widespread presence of solid waste management firms and their distribution network. The U.S. had the most significant percentage of the region's economy 2022. One of the major sources of plastic waste on the globe is the United States. Despite more excellent collection rates, the United States only recycles plastic at 9–10%.

The third-largest market share in 2022 belonged to Europe. Most of the collected plastic debris in Europe is used to produce energy. Implementing the new "Circular Economy Action Plan" and "The European Green Deal" is anticipated to significantly affect this market's expansion in Europe. The European Green Deal provides a road map for advancing the circular economy, regenerating biodiversity, and reducing pollution. In 2022, Germany had the most significant market share. Germany is anticipated to continue to dominate during the projected period due to its large per capita plastic trash creation.

Competitive Landscape

The globally Plastic Waste Management market is concentrated with several players present in the market, namely Waste Management Inc., SUEZ Group, Veolia Environment S.A., Biffa PLC, Clean Harbors Inc., Covanta Holdings Corporation, Hitachi Zosen Corporation, Remondis AG & Co. Kg, Republic Services Inc., Stericycle Inc., ALBA Group, Recology, TANA Oy, and Envac Group

With its corporate headquarters in Houston, Texas, Waste Management, Inc. is a well-known and comprehensive waste management and environmental services provider. Since its founding in 1968, Waste Management has grown to become one of the leading waste management organizations in the world, providing a variety of solutions to handle different waste-related problems.

Services offered by the business include garbage collection, transportation, processing, and disposal of solid waste, recyclables, hazardous waste, and organic waste. Waste Management plays a crucial role in managing waste streams safely and effectively because of its extensive fleet of collection vehicles, sorting infrastructure, recycling facilities, and disposal sites.

The difficulties of sustainable resource management, waste reduction, and environmental protection are addressed by the SUEZ Group, a top global provider of environmental services. SUEZ is known for its thorough approach to managing water, waste, and resources in an environmentally friendly way. Its headquarters is in Paris, France, with operations in over 70 countries. SUEZ, a pioneer in the industry, addresses water treatment, distribution, and sanitation. The business works to reduce water usage through wastewater treatment, desalination, water recycling, and the development of innovative water technology. Waste management services provided by SUEZ include collection, sorting, recycling, and disposal. The company focuses on advancing a circular economy by recovering resources from waste and reducing its environmental impact.

With its headquarters in Paris, France, Veolia Environnement S.A. is a leader in global environmental solutions, committed to addressing urgent issues with resource management and sustainability. Veolia, which operates in more than 40 nations, provides a wide range of services for managing water, waste, and energy. The business excels at streamlining water distribution, wastewater treatment, waste reduction, and resource recovery because of its unwavering dedication to a circular economy. The cutting-edge activities of Veolia cover the production of renewable energy, digital technology for increased productivity, and specialized environmental solutions for businesses. Thanks to its diverse strategy, Veolia plays a crucial role in advocating responsible resource use and developing a more sustainable and resilient future.

Recent Developments

1.  To provide services for the classification and disposal of medical waste, UPS Healthcare and Stericycle partnered in May 2021. With this collaboration, both businesses hope to safeguard public health and contribute to a responsible, secure, and sustainable circular economy for plastic.                                   
2. June 2021 saw the acquisition by Biffa plc of Green Circle Polymers' lone post-consumer plastic recycling facility in Scotland—the strategic acquisition aimed to increase the company's capacity for plastic recycling by 2030.

Plastic Waste Management Market Scope

Table of Contents

1. Report Overview
2. Summary

2.1.  All that is covered in the Report

2.2.  Plastic Waste Management Market at a Glance

2.3.  Market Players in the field

3. Plastic Waste Management Market

3.1.  Market Summary

3.2.  Geographical Analysis - Plastic Waste Management Market

3.2.1.                North America

3.2.1.1.               USA Plastic Waste Management Market Size in USD Million (2018-2030)

3.2.1.2.               Canada Plastic Waste Management Market Size in USD Million (2018-2030)

3.2.1.3.               Mexico Plastic Waste Management Market Size in USD Million (2018-2030)

3.2.2.                Europe

3.2.2.1.               Germany Plastic Waste Management Market Size in USD million (2018-2030)

3.2.2.2.               United Kingdom Plastic Waste Management Market Size in USD million (2018-2030)

3.2.2.3.               France Plastic Waste Management Market Size in USD million (2018-2030)

3.2.2.4.               Italy Plastic Waste Management Market Size in USD million (2018-2030)

3.2.2.5.               Spain Plastic Waste Management Market Size in USD million (2018-2030)

3.2.3.                Asia-Pacific

3.2.3.1.               Japan Plastic Waste Management Market Size in USD million (2018-2030)

3.2.3.2.               China Plastic Waste Management Market Size in USD million (2018-2030)

3.2.3.3.               India Plastic Waste Management Market Size in USD million (2018-2030)

3.2.3.4.               Australia Plastic Waste Management Market Size in USD million (2018-2030)

3.2.3.5.               South Korea Plastic Waste Management Market Size in USD million (2018-2030)

3.2.3.6.               Rest of APAC Plastic Waste Management Market Size in USD million (2018-2030)

3.2.4.                Middle East and Africa

3.2.4.1.               Saudi Arabia Plastic Waste Management Market Size in USD million (2018-2030)

3.2.4.2.               UAE Plastic Waste Management Market Size in USD million (2018-2030)

3.2.4.3.               Turkey Plastic Waste Management Market Size in USD million (2018-2030)

3.2.4.4.               Israel Plastic Waste Management Market Size in USD million (2018-2030)

3.2.4.5.               Rest of Middle East Plastic Waste Management Market Size in USD million (2018-2030)

3.2.5.                South America

3.2.5.1.               Brazil Plastic Waste Management Market Size in USD million (2018-2030)

3.2.5.2.               Argentina Plastic Waste Management Market Size in USD million (2018-2030)

3.2.5.3.               Rest of South America Plastic Waste Management Market Size in USD million (2018-2030)

3.3.  Analysis by Source - Plastic Waste Management Market

3.3.1.                Industrial Waste

3.3.2.                Municipal Waste

3.4.  Analysis by Material - Plastic Waste Management Market

3.4.1.                Polyethylene

3.4.2.                Polypropylene

3.4.3.                Polyethylene Terephthalate

3.4.4.                Polystyrene

3.4.5.                Others

3.5.  Analysis by Product Type - Plastic Waste Management Market

3.5.1.                Packaging

3.5.2.                Construction

3.5.3.                Automotive

3.5.4.                Electrical & Electronics

3.5.5.                Others

3.6.  Analysis by Treatment Method - Plastic Waste Management Market

3.6.1.                Collection

3.6.2.                Recycling

3.6.3.                Disposal

3.6.3.1.               Landfilling

3.6.3.2.               Incineration

4. Competitive Analysis – Plastic Waste Management Market
5. Market Share Analysis

5.1.  By Geography

5.1.1.                North America

5.1.2.                Asia

5.1.3.                Europe

5.1.4.                RoW

6. Revenue Share Analysis

6.1.  By Geography

6.1.1.                North America

6.1.2.                Asia

6.1.3.                Europe

6.1.4.                RoW

7. Competition – Market Leaders

7.1.  Company Profiles

7.1.1.                Waste Management Inc.

7.1.1.1.               Business Overview

7.1.1.2.               Products and Services

7.1.1.3.               Strategic Initiatives and Market Developments

7.1.2.                SUEZ Group

7.1.3.                Veolia Environment S.A.

7.1.4.                Biffa PLC

7.1.5.                Clean Harbors Inc.

7.1.6.                Covanta Holdings Corporation

7.1.7.                Hitachi Zosen Corporation

7.1.8.                Remondis AG & Co. Kg

7.1.9.                Republic Services Inc.

7.1.10.             Stericycle Inc.

7.1.11.             ALBA Group

7.1.12.             Recology

7.1.13.             TANA Oy

7.1.14.             Envac Group

8. Factor Analysis

8.1.  Drivers & Opportunities

8.2.  Restraints & Challenges

9. Porter’s Five Forces Analysis

9.1.  Competitors

9.2.  End-Users

9.3.  Suppliers

9.4.  Substitutes

9.5.  New Entrants

10. Macroeconomic & Environmental Factor Analysis

10.1.               Business Impact of Russia and Ukraine War

10.2.               The prevalence of single-use plastic items

11. Trend Analysis
12. Opportunity Assessment
13. Methodology
14. About Research Foretell

14.1.               Our Offerings

Global Plastic Waste Management Market Segmentation

Plastic Waste Management by Type: Market Size & Forecast 2023-2030

• Collection & Transportation
• Treatment & Disposal
• Recycling

Plastic Waste Management by Application: Market Size & Forecast 2023-2030

• Packaging
• Construction
• Automotive
• Electronics & Electrical
• Others

Plastic Waste Management by Waste Collection Methods: Market Size & Forecast 2023-2030

• Curbside Collection
• Drop-Off Centers
• Buy-Back Centers

Plastic Waste Management by Technological Solutions: Market Size & Forecast 2023-2030

• Sorting Technologies
• Shredding and Grinding
• Pyrolysis
• Gasification

Plastic Waste Management by Geography: Market Size & Forecast 2023-2030

• North America (USA, Canada, Mexico)
• Europe (Germany, UK, France, Russia, Italy, Rest of Europe)
• Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, South Korea, India, Southeast Asia, Rest of Asia-Pacific)
• South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Rest of South America)
• Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa, Rest of MEA)

Major Players:

• Waste Management Inc.
• Veolia Environnement
• Suez
• Republic Services Inc.
• Stericycle Inc.
• Clean Harbors Inc.
• Covanta Holding Corporation
• Remondis SE & Co. KG
• Biffa plc
• Renewi plc
• Waste Connections Inc.
• Advanced Disposal Services LLC
• Recology Inc.
• Tomra Systems ASA
• Plastipak Holdings Inc.
• DS Smith Plc
• Borealis AG
• Novolex Holdings Inc.
• TerraCycle
• KW Plastics
• Berry Global Inc.
• Ecovative Design LLC
• CarbonCure Technologies Inc.
• Brightmark LLC
• Avangard Innovative LP