Market Forecast by Countries (United States, Canada), By Source (Industrial Waste, Municipal Waste), By Material (Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Polyethylene Terephthalate, Polystyrene, Others), By Product Type (Packaging, Construction, Automotive, Electrical & Electronics, Others), By Treatment Method (Collection, Recycling, Disposal) And Competitive Landscape
Product Code: ETC406441 | Publication Date: Aug 2022 | Updated Date: Mar 2025 | Product Type: Market Research Report | |
Publisher: 6Wresearch | No. of Pages: 250 | No. of Figures: 50 | No. of Tables: 25 | |
Report Name | North America Plastic Waste Management Market |
Forecast Period | 2025-2031 |
Market Size | USD 28.3 billion by 2031 |
CAGR | 5.8% |
Growing Sector | Recycling Sector |
North America Plastic Waste Management Market report thoroughly covers the market By Countries, By source, by material, by Product type, by treatment methods. The market report provides an unbiased and detailed analysis of the ongoing market trends, opportunities/high growth areas, and market drivers which would help the stakeholders to devise and align their market strategies according to the current and future market dynamics.
North America Plastic Waste Management Market was valued at USD 16.2 billion and is expected to reach USD 28.3 billion, growing at a CAGR of around 5.8% from 2025 to 2031. Plastic waste management has become a major concern in North America, with millions of tons of plastic waste being generated each year. This has led to an increase in demand for effective and sustainable solutions for managing plastic waste.
The North America plastic waste management market is expected to witness significant growth between 2025 and 2031 due to the increasing awareness about sustainable waste management practices. The rising concern for environmental protection, along with stringent regulations by governments, has led to a surge in demand for plastic waste management services and solutions. According to 6Wresearch, the North America Plastic Waste Management Market Size is expected to reach a significant CAGR of 5.8% during the forecast period 2025-2031. The North America Plastic Waste Management market is projected to witness significant growth from 2025 to 2031, driven by several key factors. Increasing environmental awareness has spurred demand for sustainable waste management solutions, leading to government policies promoting recycling and proper plastic waste disposal. Urbanization and population growth have amplified plastic consumption, necessitating efficient waste management systems to mitigate pollution and ecosystem harm. Technological advancements further enable innovative methods to repurpose plastic waste into valuable products or energy. Additionally, rising corporate social responsibility and consumer preference for eco-friendly products encourage sustainable practices.
Despite its potential, the market faces challenges. Inadequate recycling infrastructure leads to improper disposal and environmental pollution, while high costs of recycling facilities deter investment. Consumer awareness of proper disposal methods also remains limited. Addressing these challenges requires enhanced government support, investment in infrastructure, public education, and innovative, cost-effective recycling technologies to foster market growth.
The North America Plastic Waste Management market is undergoing significant transformation, with emerging trends aimed at addressing the escalating plastic waste challenge. Notably, the adoption of advanced recycling technologies is enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of processing various types of plastics. Additionally, there is a heightened emphasis on reducing single-use plastics, alongside the promotion of sustainable alternatives, such as plastic bag bans and the establishment of refillable water bottle stations.
Consumer awareness and demand for corporate responsibility have also increased, driving companies to improve packaging design and recycling initiatives. Furthermore, technological advancements are encouraging the use of recycled plastics across industries, thus fostering the market's growth. These trends are contributing not only to waste reduction but also to business opportunities and a more sustainable future. To remain competitive and support a cleaner, greener North America, companies must stay informed and adapt to these evolving trends.
The North America plastic waste management market is poised for significant growth due to heightened environmental sustainability awareness and supportive government initiatives promoting effective waste management. This presents numerous investment opportunities for businesses seeking to enter or expand in this sector. A key opportunity lies in advancing recycling technologies that transform plastic waste into reusable raw materials, thereby reducing the need for new plastic production. The increasing demand for sustainable solutions makes investing in such technologies highly profitable.
Additionally, the development of infrastructure for plastic waste collection, sorting, and recycling is another promising area, as growing consumer awareness will drive demand for efficient services. Moreover, the rise of circular economy models, which emphasize reducing, reusing, and recycling plastic waste, offers further investment potential. Businesses can invest in initiatives like producing products from recycled plastic, aligning with consumer preferences and contributing to sustainability. The North America plastic waste management market provides attractive investment prospects for businesses focused on sustainability and meeting market demands.
The North America plastic waste management market is highly competitive and fragmented, with numerous players vying for a larger share of the market. Some of the leading players operating in this market include: Veolia Environnement S.A., Waste Management Inc., Republic Services Inc., Clean Harbors Inc., Stericycle Inc., Progressive Waste Solutions Ltd., Covanta Holding Corporation, Recology Inc.
These companies are actively involved in strategic partnerships, acquisitions, and product innovation to strengthen their presence in the market. Additionally, they are focusing on sustainable solutions and incorporating advanced technologies to effectively manage plastic waste and reduce its impact on the environment. These efforts are expected to drive the growth of the North America plastic waste management market in the coming years. Furthermore, several government initiatives and regulations promoting responsible disposal and recycling of plastic waste have created a favourable market environment for these leading players to expand their operations and offerings. With increasing awareness about environmental issues, these companies are likely to see significant growth opportunities in the future.
The North America plastic waste management market is poised for significant growth in the coming years, driven by various government regulations and policies. Governments in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Mexico have implemented several measures to enhance plastic waste management, including taxes on single-use plastics, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes, and incentives for recycling. These regulations not only aim to reduce plastic waste but also present new opportunities for businesses in the market.
As environmental concerns and sustainability become increasingly important, governments are expected to introduce more stringent regulations in the future, further fueling market growth. Consequently, businesses operating in this sector must remain informed and adhere to these regulations to ensure effective performance in the market.
The North America Plastic Waste Management market is poised for substantial growth from 2025 to 2031, with a projected annual growth rate of 5.8%. This growth can be attributed to factors such as heightened awareness of plastic pollution and its environmental impact, government-driven waste management initiatives, and advancements in recycling technologies. Additionally, the increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions is prompting companies to implement more responsible waste management practices.
The rise of e-commerce and online shopping has further contributed to an uptick in plastic packaging waste, amplifying the need for efficient waste management systems. As a result, the future of the North America Plastic Waste Management market looks promising, with a strong focus on developing environmentally responsible, sustainable solutions for managing plastic waste.
The report offers a comprehensive study of the subsequent market segments and their leading categories.
The United States is expected to be the leading country in the plastic waste management market in North America during the forecast period. This can be attributed to the high volume of plastic waste generated in the country, coupled with strict regulations and initiatives taken by the government towards proper waste management. The United States has also been at the forefront of promoting sustainable practices and investing in advanced technologies for effective plastic waste management. These factors are expected to drive the growth of the market in this country.
According to Ravi Bhandari, Research Head, 6Wresearch, municipal waste is expected to be the leading source of plastic waste in North America, contributing significantly to the overall market share. This can be attributed to the large amount of plastic waste generated by households, commercial establishments, and institutions such as schools and hospitals. The increasing population and urbanization in North America have also led to a rise in municipal waste, making it a major source of plastic pollution. Therefore, effective management and disposal of this waste are crucial for the overall plastic waste management market in the region.
The packaging segment is expected to be the leading product type in the North America plastic waste management market. This can be attributed to the high volume of plastic packaging waste generated by households, commercial establishments, and industries such as food & beverage and consumer goods. Furthermore, increasing awareness about sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions has led to a surge in demand for recycling and proper disposal of plastic packaging waste. This is expected to drive the growth of this segment in the region.
Recycling is expected to be the leading treatment method for plastic waste in North America during the forecast period. This can be attributed to the rising demand for recycled plastics in various industries, coupled with government initiatives and regulations promoting recycling.
The market report has been segmented and sub-segmented into the following categories:
1 Executive Summary |
2 Introduction |
2.1 Key Highlights of the Report |
2.2 Report Description |
2.3 Market Scope & Segmentation |
2.4 Research Methodology |
2.5 Assumptions |
3 North America Plastic Waste Management Market Overview |
3.1 North America Regional Macro Economic Indicators |
3.2 North America Plastic Waste Management Market Revenues & Volume, 2021 & 2031F |
3.3 North America Plastic Waste Management Market - Industry Life Cycle |
3.4 North America Plastic Waste Management Market - Porter's Five Forces |
3.5 North America Plastic Waste Management Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Countries, 2021 & 2031F |
3.6 North America Plastic Waste Management Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Source, 2021 & 2031F |
3.7 North America Plastic Waste Management Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Material, 2021 & 2031F |
3.8 North America Plastic Waste Management Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Product Type, 2021 & 2031F |
3.9 North America Plastic Waste Management Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Treatment Method, 2021 & 2031F |
4 North America Plastic Waste Management Market Dynamics |
4.1 Impact Analysis |
4.2 Market Drivers |
4.3 Market Restraints |
5 North America Plastic Waste Management Market Trends |
6 North America Plastic Waste Management Market, 2021 - 2031 |
6.1 North America Plastic Waste Management Market, Revenues & Volume, By Source, 2021 - 2031 |
6.2 North America Plastic Waste Management Market, Revenues & Volume, By Material, 2021 - 2031 |
6.3 North America Plastic Waste Management Market, Revenues & Volume, By Product Type, 2021 - 2031 |
6.4 North America Plastic Waste Management Market, Revenues & Volume, By Treatment Method, 2021 - 2031 |
7 United States Plastic Waste Management Market, 2021 - 2031 |
7.1 United States Plastic Waste Management Market, Revenues & Volume, By Source, 2021 - 2031 |
7.2 United States Plastic Waste Management Market, Revenues & Volume, By Material, 2021 - 2031 |
7.3 United States Plastic Waste Management Market, Revenues & Volume, By Product Type, 2021 - 2031 |
7.4 United States Plastic Waste Management Market, Revenues & Volume, By Treatment Method, 2021 - 2031 |
8 Canada Plastic Waste Management Market, 2021 - 2031 |
8.1 Canada Plastic Waste Management Market, Revenues & Volume, By Source, 2021 - 2031 |
8.2 Canada Plastic Waste Management Market, Revenues & Volume, By Material, 2021 - 2031 |
8.3 Canada Plastic Waste Management Market, Revenues & Volume, By Product Type, 2021 - 2031 |
8.4 Canada Plastic Waste Management Market, Revenues & Volume, By Treatment Method, 2021 - 2031 |
9 North America Plastic Waste Management Market Key Performance Indicators |
10 North America Plastic Waste Management Market - Opportunity Assessment |
10.1 North America Plastic Waste Management Market Opportunity Assessment, By Countries, 2024 |
10.2 North America Plastic Waste Management Market Opportunity Assessment, By Source, 2021 & 2031F |
10.3 North America Plastic Waste Management Market Opportunity Assessment, By Material, 2021 & 2031F |
10.4 North America Plastic Waste Management Market Opportunity Assessment, By Product Type, 2021 & 2031F |
10.5 North America Plastic Waste Management Market Opportunity Assessment, By Treatment Method, 2021 & 2031F |
11 North America Plastic Waste Management Market - Competitive Landscape |
11.1 North America Plastic Waste Management Market Revenue Share, By Companies, 2021 |
11.2 North America Plastic Waste Management Market Competitive Benchmarking, By Operating and Technical Parameters |
12 Company Profiles |
13 Recommendations |
14 Disclaimer |