Global Plastic Waste Management Market Size Study & Forecast, by Service, Polymer Type, Source, and Regional Forecasts 2025-2035

The Global Plastic Waste Management Market is valued at approximately USD 37.95 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.60% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2035. As plastic production continues to proliferate across packaging, consumer goods, healthcare, and industrial applications, the parallel surge in plastic waste has triggered pressing global concerns surrounding environmental sustainability, marine pollution, and landfill burden. Plastic waste management, encompassing collection, recycling, incineration, and disposal practices, has evolved into a critical industry that aims to mitigate these impacts while simultaneously enabling resource recovery through circular economy strategies. Governments, corporations, and consumers alike are beginning to realize the strategic imperative of investing in efficient waste handling infrastructure, regulatory reforms, and plastic reuse technologies that can decouple growth from environmental degradation.

The market is being propelled by growing legislative mandates across developed and developing economies that are cracking down on single-use plastics and incentivizing sustainable waste management practices. Municipalities are ramping up investment in segregated waste collection systems, while companies are adopting biodegradable polymers, recycled content in production, and extended producer responsibility (EPR) frameworks to align with ESG goals. Furthermore, consumer awareness campaigns and public-private partnerships are driving adoption of recycling and reprocessing facilities. Simultaneously, the integration of artificial intelligence and IoT in waste sorting and tracking systems is streamlining operations. However, fragmented waste collection networks, lack of recycling infrastructure in rural and developing areas, and fluctuating oil prices that affect virgin plastic cost-competitiveness pose ongoing challenges to market expansion.

Regionally, North America held a dominant share of the global plastic waste management market in 2025, attributed to stringent environmental laws, high plastic consumption rates, and well-established waste treatment infrastructure. The U.S., in particular, has prioritized innovations in closed-loop recycling and chemical recovery. Meanwhile, Europe remains a stronghold with its Zero Waste directives, aggressive plastic bans, and circular economy frameworks under the European Green Deal. Asia Pacific is projected to emerge as the fastest-growing region over the forecast timeline. Rapid industrialization, increasing urban populations, and mounting pressure from both local governments and international organizations have driven countries such as China, India, and Indonesia to reform their plastic waste regulations and invest in large-scale recycling facilities.

Major market player included in this report are:

• Veolia Environnement S.A.
• Waste Management, Inc.
• Republic Services, Inc.
• Clean Harbors, Inc.
• Suez Environnement Company
• Covanta Holding Corporation
• Biffa plc
• Remondis SE & Co. KG
• DS Smith Plc
• Stericycle Inc.
• WM Intellectual Property Holdings, L.L.C.
• Advanced Disposal Services, Inc.
• Alpla Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG
• Plasgran Ltd.
• Shabra Plastics Ltd.

Global Plastic Waste Management Market Report Scope:

• Historical Data - 2023, 2024
• Base Year for Estimation - 2024
• Forecast period - 2025-2035
• Report Coverage - Revenue forecast, Company Ranking, Competitive Landscape, Growth factors, and Trends
• Regional Scope - North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; Middle East & Africa
• Customization Scope - Free report customization (equivalent up to 8 analysts' working hours) with purchase. Addition or alteration to country, regional & segment scope*

The objective of the study is to define market sizes of different segments & countries in recent years and to forecast the values for the coming years. The report is designed to incorporate both qualitative and quantitative aspects of the industry within the countries involved in the study. The report also provides detailed information about crucial aspects, such as driving factors and challenges, which will define the future growth of the market. Additionally, it incorporates potential opportunities in micro-markets for stakeholders to invest, along with a detailed analysis of the competitive landscape and product offerings of key players. The detailed segments and sub-segments of the market are explained below:

By Service:

• Collection
• Recycling
• Incineration

By Polymer Type:

• (Client-specified or customizable - not provided)

By Source:

• Plastic Bags
• Plastic Bottles
• Wrappers

By Region:

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

Key Takeaways:

• Market Estimates & Forecast for 10 years from 2025 to 2035.
• Annualized revenues and regional level analysis for each market segment.
• Detailed analysis of geographical landscape with Country level analysis of major regions.
• Competitive landscape with information on major players in the market.
• Analysis of key business strategies and recommendations on future market approach.
• Analysis of competitive structure of the market.
• Demand side and supply side analysis of the market.