PUBLISHER: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. | PRODUCT CODE: 1930281
PUBLISHER: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. | PRODUCT CODE: 1930281
The global recycling equipment market is experiencing robust growth due to rising industrialization, urbanization, and increased emphasis on sustainable waste management practices. As per Fortune Business Insights, the market was valued at USD 5.61 billion in 2025, grew to USD 5.84 billion in 2026, and is projected to reach USD 9.14 billion by 2034, reflecting a CAGR of 5.8% during the forecast period. Asia Pacific dominated the market in 2025 with a 35.6% share, driven by rapid industrialization, growing urban populations, and environmental awareness in countries such as China, India, and Japan.
Recycling equipment encompasses machinery for collecting, sorting, processing, and converting waste materials into reusable resources. These systems are vital for handling industrial, municipal, construction & demolition, and agricultural waste, and include products such as shredders, balers, separators, compactors, crushers, and conveyor systems. The equipment reduces landfill dependency, lowers operational costs, and promotes resource recovery.
Market Dynamics
Drivers
Key drivers include rising population, industrial growth, and urbanization, which contribute to increasing waste generation. Stricter environmental regulations and sustainability goals encourage industries to adopt automated and efficient recycling equipment. Advanced technologies, such as AI-powered and IoT-enabled systems, enhance operational efficiency, improve material sorting accuracy, and reduce contamination. Furthermore, economic benefits, including reduced landfill reliance and better material recovery, bolster the demand for recycling machinery.
Challenges
High initial capital investment for automated recycling systems, ranging from USD 10,000 to USD 50,000, limits adoption among small and medium-scale enterprises. Installation and infrastructure costs can be significant, acting as a barrier to market expansion.
Opportunities
Rapid urbanization and industrialization in developing and developed nations present significant opportunities for market growth. Increasing waste volumes from municipalities and industries drive demand for energy-efficient and high-capacity recycling solutions. By 2030, urbanization in Asia Pacific is expected to reach 55%, which will further support the adoption of advanced recycling technologies.
Market Trends
Technological advancements are reshaping the industry. Leading manufacturers such as SSI Shredding Systems, Wastequip, Terex Corporation, and Tomra Systems ASA are integrating AI, machine learning, and sensor technologies into equipment to enhance efficiency and precision. For example, SSI Shredding Systems launched the Dual-Shear M180 AI-enabled shredder in June 2024, capable of processing plastic, industrial, and recyclable waste while reducing carbon footprint. Automation in recycling plants is also gaining momentum to handle higher waste volumes efficiently.
By Product
The market is divided into shredders, balers, separators, compactors, crushers, conveyor systems, and others (granulators, extruders). Balers dominated in 2024 due to their ability to compress recyclables, reduce transportation volume, and optimize costs, projected to hold 25% market share in 2026. Shredders are expected to experience the highest growth with a CAGR of 6.0% (2025-2032) owing to on-site processing needs and stringent waste handling regulations. Other products such as separators, compactors, and crushers are expected to grow steadily, particularly for construction and demolition waste management.
By Waste Type
The market is segmented into hazardous and non-hazardous waste. The hazardous waste segment dominated in 2024 due to large volumes generated by chemical, medical, and construction sectors and is expected to hold 65.41% market share in 2026. Non-hazardous waste, including municipal and industrial waste, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.7% during 2025-2032.
By Application
Industrial waste led the market in 2024 and is expected to hold 35.96% market share in 2026, driven by rapid industrialization in India, China, and other economies, generating metal scrap, plastics, cardboard, and e-waste. Municipal waste, construction & demolition waste, and other categories such as medical and agricultural waste are projected to grow steadily due to increasing urbanization and recycling awareness.
Asia Pacific dominated with USD 2.00 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 2.09 billion in 2026, led by China (USD 0.80 billion in 2025), India (USD 0.35 billion in 2026), and Japan (USD 0.42 billion in 2026) due to rapid industrialization and environmental regulations. North America is forecasted at USD 1.65 billion in 2026, with the U.S. contributing USD 0.98 billion, driven by technological adoption and investments in waste recycling facilities. Europe is projected at USD 1.21 billion in 2026, led by Germany (USD 0.33 billion) and the U.K. (USD 0.23 billion). The Middle East & Africa and South America regions are expected to witness steady growth due to industrialization and urbanization, with GCC estimated at USD 0.26 billion in 2025.
Competitive Landscape
The market is fragmented with key players including Wastequip, Terex Corporation, Tomra Systems ASA, Eldan Recycling, SSI Shredding Systems, Vecoplan AG, and Marathon Equipment. Companies are adopting strategies such as mergers, acquisitions, and product innovation to strengthen market presence. For instance, in August 2022, Terex acquired ZenRobotics Ltd to enhance automation in waste sorting and recycling. The focus on AI-enabled and IoT-integrated equipment continues to shape competitive dynamics.
Conclusion
The global recycling equipment market is projected to grow from USD 5.61 billion in 2025 to USD 9.14 billion by 2034, driven by rising urbanization, industrialization, and adoption of smart technologies. Balers remain the leading product segment, industrial waste the primary application, and hazardous waste the dominant type. Asia Pacific leads regionally, while North America and Europe benefit from technological adoption and regulatory support. Integration of AI, IoT, and automated solutions presents key opportunities for companies to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and operational performance in the rapidly evolving recycling equipment market.
Segmentation By Product, By Waste Type, By Application, and By Region
Segmentation By Product
By Waste Type
By Application
By Region
Key Market Players Profiles in the Report Eldan Recycling A/S (Denmark), Levstal Group (Estonia), Machines Industries Inc (Canada), Dover Corporation (Marathon Equipment) (U.S.), Sesotec GmbH (Germany), SSI Shredding Systems Inc (U.S.), Tomra Systems ASA (Norway), Terex Corporation (U.S.), Vecoplan AG (Germany), and Wastequip (U.S.).