Food Waste Management Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type of Waste, By Process, By Source, By Application, By Region & Competition, 2021-2031F

Description

The Global Food Waste Management Market is projected to expand from USD 87.94 Billion in 2025 to USD 123.27 Billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 5.79%. This sector encompasses the systematic collection, transportation, processing, and disposal of organic waste to mitigate environmental harm and reclaim valuable resources like bioenergy and fertilizer. Market growth is primarily sustained by strict government mandates requiring organic matter diversion from landfills, coupled with increasing global awareness of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with food decomposition. Furthermore, the integration of circular economy principles is urging industries to adopt efficient recovery technologies, thereby boosting the demand for sophisticated management solutions.

Market Overview
Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size 2025	USD 87.94 Billion
Market Size 2031	USD 123.27 Billion
CAGR 2026-2031	5.79%
Fastest Growing Segment	Dairy Products
Largest Market	North America

These driving forces are bolstered by data emphasizing the urgent need for scalable waste interventions. Research from the International Solid Waste Association in 2024 indicates that global municipal solid waste generation is on track to reach 3.8 billion tonnes annually by 2050. Despite this evident demand, the market encounters significant obstacles due to the high initial capital required to establish infrastructure like anaerobic digestion plants and composting facilities. This financial burden can obstruct widespread adoption, particularly in cost-sensitive regions where funding for such large-scale projects is limited.

Market Driver

The enforcement of rigorous government regulations and waste disposal policies acts as a major accelerator for the global food waste management market. Authorities are increasingly instituting mandates to divert organic materials from landfills, compelling municipalities and commercial entities to invest in advanced recovery infrastructure. For example, a March 2024 press release from Zero Waste Europe highlighted that members of the European Parliament voted to increase legally binding food waste reduction targets to 40% for retail, restaurants, and households by 2030. Such legislative measures foster a compliance-oriented environment that directly stimulates the adoption of industrial-grade composting and anaerobic digestion technologies to achieve these ambitious diversion goals.

Concurrently, rapid urbanization and surging food waste generation underscore the need for scalable waste interventions. As cities become more densely populated, the logistical challenge of managing discarded organics intensifies, necessitating efficient collection and processing systems to reduce economic losses and environmental risks. According to the UNEP 'Food Waste Index Report 2024' released in March 2024, the world generated 1.05 billion tonnes of food waste in 2022, representing roughly 19% of all food available to consumers. This vast quantity of organic feedstock is driving growth in the waste-to-energy sector, a trend supported by World Biogas Association data in 2024 projecting a 32% increase in global biogas production between 2023 and 2028.

Market Challenge

The substantial capital expenditure necessary to build specialized infrastructure constitutes a major restraint on the global food waste management market. Constructing essential facilities, such as anaerobic digestion plants and large-scale composting sites, requires significant upfront investment in engineering, land acquisition, and processing machinery. This financial hurdle is particularly challenging for municipalities and private operators in developing regions, where budget limitations often force a prioritization of immediate operational expenses over long-term infrastructure developments. Consequently, the difficulty in securing initial funding prevents the shift from low-cost landfill disposal to advanced resource recovery systems, hindering market growth in cost-sensitive sectors.

This limitation on infrastructure development results in a marked disparity between the volume of waste produced and the industrial capacity available to treat it effectively. The 2024 Food Waste Index Report by the United Nations Environment Programme revealed that 1.05 billion tonnes of food waste were generated globally across retail, food service, and household sectors. While this immense amount of organic material highlights an urgent requirement for processing facilities, the high cost of entry restricts the deployment of management solutions capable of handling such volumes, thereby directly suppressing the market's potential valuation.

Market Trends

The industrial scaling of insect bioconversion for animal feed production is advancing from pilot projects to massive commercial operations, effectively closing the nutrient loop. This trend centers on using black soldier flies to convert organic by-products into high-value protein and oil for aquaculture and pet nutrition, allowing for the diversion of agricultural waste at volumes that traditional composting often cannot manage. According to a July 2024 article by WeAreAquaculture regarding Innovafeed, the company completed a significant expansion of its Nesle plant in France, increasing capacity to produce 100,000 tonnes of insect ingredients annually, which signals the sector's evolution into a viable solution for large-scale organic waste valorization.

Simultaneously, the integration of AI-driven predictive analytics for demand forecasting is revolutionizing waste prevention within the retail and hospitality industries. By utilizing machine learning algorithms, businesses can examine historical sales data and consumption patterns to refine inventory procurement, thereby drastically cutting the amount of perishable goods that go unsold. This technology reorients the focus from downstream disposal to upstream source reduction, providing financial incentives beyond mere regulatory compliance. As noted in an April 2024 Waste360 article on Winnow's technology, commercial kitchens using AI-enabled waste tracking platforms are reporting a 50% reduction in food waste, demonstrating the operational efficiency derived from data-centric management strategies.

Key Market Players

Veolia
Suez
Waste Management, Inc.
Republic Services, Inc.
Covanta Ltd.
Stericycle, Inc.
Remondis SE & Co., KG
Clean Harbors, Inc.
Biffa
Rumpke

Report Scope

In this report, the Global Food Waste Management Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

Food Waste Management Market, By Type of Waste

Cereals
Dairy Products
Fruit & Vegetables
Meat
Fish & Seafood
Oilseeds & Pulses
Processed Food
Coffee Grounds & Tea
Others

Food Waste Management Market, By Process

Aerobic Digestion (composting)
Anaerobic Digestion
Incineration/ Combustion
Others

Food Waste Management Market, By Source

Primary Food Producers
Food Manufacturers
Food Distributors & Suppliers
Food Service Providers
Municipalities & Households

Food Waste Management Market, By Application

Feed
Fertilizers
Biofuel
Power Generation

Food Waste Management Market, By Region

North America
- United States
- Canada
- Mexico
Europe
- France
- United Kingdom
- Italy
- Germany
- Spain
Asia Pacific
- China
- India
- Japan
- Australia
- South Korea
South America
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Colombia
Middle East & Africa
- South Africa
- Saudi Arabia
- UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Food Waste Management Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Food Waste Management Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

1. Product Overview

1.1. Market Definition
1.2. Scope of the Market
- 1.2.1. Markets Covered
- 1.2.2. Years Considered for Study
- 1.2.3. Key Market Segmentations

2. Research Methodology

2.1. Objective of the Study
2.2. Baseline Methodology
2.3. Key Industry Partners
2.4. Major Association and Secondary Sources
2.5. Forecasting Methodology
2.6. Data Triangulation & Validation
2.7. Assumptions and Limitations

3. Executive Summary

3.1. Overview of the Market
3.2. Overview of Key Market Segmentations
3.3. Overview of Key Market Players
3.4. Overview of Key Regions/Countries
3.5. Overview of Market Drivers, Challenges, Trends

4. Voice of Customer

5. Global Food Waste Management Market Outlook

5.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 5.1.1. By Value
5.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 5.2.1. By Type of Waste (Cereals, Dairy Products, Fruit & Vegetables, Meat, Fish & Seafood, Oilseeds & Pulses, Processed Food, Coffee Grounds & Tea, Others)
- 5.2.2. By Process (Aerobic Digestion (composting), Anaerobic Digestion, Incineration/ Combustion, Others)
- 5.2.3. By Source (Primary Food Producers, Food Manufacturers, Food Distributors & Suppliers, Food Service Providers, Municipalities & Households)
- 5.2.4. By Application (Feed, Fertilizers, Biofuel, Power Generation)
- 5.2.5. By Region
- 5.2.6. By Company (2025)
5.3. Market Map

6. North America Food Waste Management Market Outlook

6.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 6.1.1. By Value
6.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 6.2.1. By Type of Waste
- 6.2.2. By Process
- 6.2.3. By Source
- 6.2.4. By Application
- 6.2.5. By Country
6.3. North America: Country Analysis
- 6.3.1. United States Food Waste Management Market Outlook
  - 6.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 6.3.1.1.1. By Value
  - 6.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 6.3.1.2.1. By Type of Waste
    - 6.3.1.2.2. By Process
    - 6.3.1.2.3. By Source
    - 6.3.1.2.4. By Application
- 6.3.2. Canada Food Waste Management Market Outlook
  - 6.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 6.3.2.1.1. By Value
  - 6.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 6.3.2.2.1. By Type of Waste
    - 6.3.2.2.2. By Process
    - 6.3.2.2.3. By Source
    - 6.3.2.2.4. By Application
- 6.3.3. Mexico Food Waste Management Market Outlook
  - 6.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 6.3.3.1.1. By Value
  - 6.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 6.3.3.2.1. By Type of Waste
    - 6.3.3.2.2. By Process
    - 6.3.3.2.3. By Source
    - 6.3.3.2.4. By Application

7. Europe Food Waste Management Market Outlook

7.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 7.1.1. By Value
7.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 7.2.1. By Type of Waste
- 7.2.2. By Process
- 7.2.3. By Source
- 7.2.4. By Application
- 7.2.5. By Country
7.3. Europe: Country Analysis
- 7.3.1. Germany Food Waste Management Market Outlook
  - 7.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 7.3.1.1.1. By Value
  - 7.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 7.3.1.2.1. By Type of Waste
    - 7.3.1.2.2. By Process
    - 7.3.1.2.3. By Source
    - 7.3.1.2.4. By Application
- 7.3.2. France Food Waste Management Market Outlook
  - 7.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 7.3.2.1.1. By Value
  - 7.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 7.3.2.2.1. By Type of Waste
    - 7.3.2.2.2. By Process
    - 7.3.2.2.3. By Source
    - 7.3.2.2.4. By Application
- 7.3.3. United Kingdom Food Waste Management Market Outlook
  - 7.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 7.3.3.1.1. By Value
  - 7.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 7.3.3.2.1. By Type of Waste
    - 7.3.3.2.2. By Process
    - 7.3.3.2.3. By Source
    - 7.3.3.2.4. By Application
- 7.3.4. Italy Food Waste Management Market Outlook
  - 7.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 7.3.4.1.1. By Value
  - 7.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 7.3.4.2.1. By Type of Waste
    - 7.3.4.2.2. By Process
    - 7.3.4.2.3. By Source
    - 7.3.4.2.4. By Application
- 7.3.5. Spain Food Waste Management Market Outlook
  - 7.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 7.3.5.1.1. By Value
  - 7.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 7.3.5.2.1. By Type of Waste
    - 7.3.5.2.2. By Process
    - 7.3.5.2.3. By Source
    - 7.3.5.2.4. By Application

8. Asia Pacific Food Waste Management Market Outlook

8.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 8.1.1. By Value
8.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 8.2.1. By Type of Waste
- 8.2.2. By Process
- 8.2.3. By Source
- 8.2.4. By Application
- 8.2.5. By Country
8.3. Asia Pacific: Country Analysis
- 8.3.1. China Food Waste Management Market Outlook
  - 8.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 8.3.1.1.1. By Value
  - 8.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 8.3.1.2.1. By Type of Waste
    - 8.3.1.2.2. By Process
    - 8.3.1.2.3. By Source
    - 8.3.1.2.4. By Application
- 8.3.2. India Food Waste Management Market Outlook
  - 8.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 8.3.2.1.1. By Value
  - 8.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 8.3.2.2.1. By Type of Waste
    - 8.3.2.2.2. By Process
    - 8.3.2.2.3. By Source
    - 8.3.2.2.4. By Application
- 8.3.3. Japan Food Waste Management Market Outlook
  - 8.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 8.3.3.1.1. By Value
  - 8.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 8.3.3.2.1. By Type of Waste
    - 8.3.3.2.2. By Process
    - 8.3.3.2.3. By Source
    - 8.3.3.2.4. By Application
- 8.3.4. South Korea Food Waste Management Market Outlook
  - 8.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 8.3.4.1.1. By Value
  - 8.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 8.3.4.2.1. By Type of Waste
    - 8.3.4.2.2. By Process
    - 8.3.4.2.3. By Source
    - 8.3.4.2.4. By Application
- 8.3.5. Australia Food Waste Management Market Outlook
  - 8.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 8.3.5.1.1. By Value
  - 8.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 8.3.5.2.1. By Type of Waste
    - 8.3.5.2.2. By Process
    - 8.3.5.2.3. By Source
    - 8.3.5.2.4. By Application

9. Middle East & Africa Food Waste Management Market Outlook

9.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 9.1.1. By Value
9.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 9.2.1. By Type of Waste
- 9.2.2. By Process
- 9.2.3. By Source
- 9.2.4. By Application
- 9.2.5. By Country
9.3. Middle East & Africa: Country Analysis
- 9.3.1. Saudi Arabia Food Waste Management Market Outlook
  - 9.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 9.3.1.1.1. By Value
  - 9.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 9.3.1.2.1. By Type of Waste
    - 9.3.1.2.2. By Process
    - 9.3.1.2.3. By Source
    - 9.3.1.2.4. By Application
- 9.3.2. UAE Food Waste Management Market Outlook
  - 9.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 9.3.2.1.1. By Value
  - 9.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 9.3.2.2.1. By Type of Waste
    - 9.3.2.2.2. By Process
    - 9.3.2.2.3. By Source
    - 9.3.2.2.4. By Application
- 9.3.3. South Africa Food Waste Management Market Outlook
  - 9.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 9.3.3.1.1. By Value
  - 9.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 9.3.3.2.1. By Type of Waste
    - 9.3.3.2.2. By Process
    - 9.3.3.2.3. By Source
    - 9.3.3.2.4. By Application

10. South America Food Waste Management Market Outlook

10.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 10.1.1. By Value
10.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 10.2.1. By Type of Waste
- 10.2.2. By Process
- 10.2.3. By Source
- 10.2.4. By Application
- 10.2.5. By Country
10.3. South America: Country Analysis
- 10.3.1. Brazil Food Waste Management Market Outlook
  - 10.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 10.3.1.1.1. By Value
  - 10.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 10.3.1.2.1. By Type of Waste
    - 10.3.1.2.2. By Process
    - 10.3.1.2.3. By Source
    - 10.3.1.2.4. By Application
- 10.3.2. Colombia Food Waste Management Market Outlook
  - 10.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 10.3.2.1.1. By Value
  - 10.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 10.3.2.2.1. By Type of Waste
    - 10.3.2.2.2. By Process
    - 10.3.2.2.3. By Source
    - 10.3.2.2.4. By Application
- 10.3.3. Argentina Food Waste Management Market Outlook
  - 10.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 10.3.3.1.1. By Value
  - 10.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 10.3.3.2.1. By Type of Waste
    - 10.3.3.2.2. By Process
    - 10.3.3.2.3. By Source
    - 10.3.3.2.4. By Application

11. Market Dynamics

11.1. Drivers
11.2. Challenges

12. Market Trends & Developments

12.1. Merger & Acquisition (If Any)
12.2. Product Launches (If Any)
12.3. Recent Developments

13. Global Food Waste Management Market: SWOT Analysis

14. Porter's Five Forces Analysis

14.1. Competition in the Industry
14.2. Potential of New Entrants
14.3. Power of Suppliers
14.4. Power of Customers
14.5. Threat of Substitute Products

15. Competitive Landscape

15.1. Veolia
- 15.1.1. Business Overview
- 15.1.2. Products & Services
- 15.1.3. Recent Developments
- 15.1.4. Key Personnel
- 15.1.5. SWOT Analysis
15.2. Suez
15.3. Waste Management, Inc.
15.4. Republic Services, Inc.
15.5. Covanta Ltd.
15.6. Stericycle, Inc.
15.7. Remondis SE & Co., KG
15.8. Clean Harbors, Inc.
15.9. Biffa
15.10. Rumpke