The global medical waste management market continues to expand steadily, driven by rising healthcare waste volumes, increasing disease prevalence, stricter regulatory requirements, and growing awareness around safe waste disposal practices. According to the latest analysis from MarketsandMarkets™, the market—valued at USD 9.2 billion in 2023—is projected to reach USD 12.2 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period. As healthcare systems evolve and patient volumes increase, effective management of medical waste becomes critical for environmental protection, public health, and organizational compliance.
Key Factors Driving Market Growth
- Rising Healthcare Waste Volumes
The global rise in chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity—which require frequent medical interventions—has significantly increased the volume of medical waste. Chronic wounds, surgical treatments, and long-term hospital care generate substantial biomedical waste, pushing healthcare facilities to adopt efficient waste management solutions.
- Growing Geriatric and Obese Population
A rapidly ageing population and the increasing rate of lifestyle diseases worldwide are major contributors to higher medical waste generation. Elderly populations tend to require more frequent diagnostic procedures, long-term therapies, and hospital visits, all of which add to biomedical waste streams.
- Increase in Surgical Procedures
Elective, emergency, and minimally invasive surgeries continue to grow globally. Each procedure generates large amounts of disposable materials, including gloves, syringes, dressings, and sharps, driving demand for specialized waste management services.
Market Restraints
High Capital Investments
Despite the urgent need for safe waste management practices, high capital expenditure remains a significant barrier—especially in developing regions. Cost constraints associated with advanced treatment technologies, staff training, and regulatory compliance limit adoption among smaller healthcare providers.
Market Opportunities
- Increasing Waste Management Awareness Programs
Developed nations are heavily investing in medical waste awareness programs, promoting proper segregation, recycling, and disposal practices. Growing participation from hospitals, labs, NGOs, and government agencies creates strong future growth opportunities.
- Rising Use of Single-Use Medical Devices
The global shift toward single-use nonwoven medical products—especially after COVID-19—has elevated waste volumes but has also opened opportunities for service providers specializing in safe disposal of disposable medical items.
Key Market Challenge
Lack of Awareness in Developing Economies
In many developing countries, lack of training, limited resources, and outdated waste handling practices hinder the efficient management of medical waste. This challenge continues to impact both environmental safety and market growth.
Market Segmentation Insights
- By Services: Collection, Transport & Storage Segment Holds the Largest Share
The medical waste management market is divided into:
- Collection, Transport & Storage Services
- Treatment & Disposal Services
- Recycling Services
In 2022, the collection, transport, and storage services segment dominated the market and is expected to maintain the highest growth rate throughout the forecast period. The rise is attributed to:
- Rapid improvements in medical infrastructure
- Innovations in waste handling systems
- Growing outsourcing of waste logistics by hospitals
These services form the backbone of medical waste management, ensuring safe and compliant movement of waste from healthcare facilities to treatment or disposal sites.
- By Type of Waste: Non-Hazardous Waste Segment Leads
The market is categorized into:
- Non-Hazardous Waste
- Hazardous Waste
In 2022, the non-hazardous waste segment accounted for the largest share and is forecasted to grow at the highest CAGR. The segment’s growth is driven by:
- Increased public health awareness
- Higher volumes of non-hazardous disposables
- Stricter compliance and reporting regulations
As most waste generated daily in healthcare facilities is non-hazardous, proper management becomes crucial for operational efficiency and environmental protection.
- By Treatment Site: Offsite Treatment Dominates
Based on treatment site, the market includes:
- Offsite Treatment
- Onsite Treatment
The offsite treatment segment was the largest and fastest-growing segment in 2022. Its dominance is linked to:
- Rapid expansion of the global healthcare sector
- Rising healthcare expenditure
- Increasing globalization and outsourcing of waste treatment
Many healthcare providers prefer outsourcing due to lower costs and specialized expertise offered by external waste treatment companies.
- By Waste Generator: Hospitals & Diagnostic Laboratories Lead
The market is segmented into:
- Hospitals & Diagnostic Laboratories
- Other Waste Generators
In 2022, hospitals and diagnostic laboratories held the largest share due to:
- Strict regulatory mandates in developed countries
- High waste volumes generated during surgeries, treatments, and diagnostics
- Active awareness campaigns in developing regions
These facilities rely heavily on integrated waste management services to ensure compliance and operational safety.
Regional Analysis: North America Leads the Market
The global market is distributed across:
- North America (Largest Market)
- Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Latin America
- Middle East & Africa
- GCC Countries
North America dominated the market in 2022, driven by:
- High awareness of effective waste disposal
- Strong regulatory framework
- Investment in advanced waste management technologies
Meanwhile, Asia Pacific—especially India, Japan, and China—offers lucrative opportunities due to rapid healthcare infrastructure development, growing patient volumes, and increasing waste generation.
Competitive Landscape: Key Market Players
Major companies shaping the medical waste management industry include:
- Veolia Environnement S.A. (France)
- Clean Harbors, Inc. (US)
- Stericycle Inc. (US)
- Waste Management, Inc. (US)
- Cleanaway Waste Management Limited (Australia)
- Casella Waste Systems, Inc. (US)
- Sharps Compliance, Inc. (US)
- Covanta Holding Corporation (US)
- REMONDIS SE & Co. KG. (UK)
- BioMedical Waste Solutions, LLC (US)
- EcoMed Services (Canada)
- BWS Incorporated (US)
- Gamma Waste Services (US)
- DULSCO (UAE)
…among others.
These players focus on strategic expansions, acquisitions, and technological innovations to strengthen their global presence.
Recent Industry Developments
- Dec 2021 – Veolia Environnement launched Vigie COVID-19, a wastewater monitoring solution capable of detecting the Omicron variant.
- May 2022 – Veolia acquired Suez Environnement, adding France’s hazardous waste assets to its portfolio.
Oct 2020 – Waste Management, Inc. acquired Advanced Disposal, expanding its U.S. footprint and service capabilities.