UK Waste Management Market

UK Waste Management Market

The UK Waste Management Market by Waste Type (Hazardous Waste, and Non-Hazardous Waste), by Service (Collection, and Disposal), by Source (Residential or Municipal Waste, Commercial Waste, and Industrial Waste) – Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024–2030

Industry: Energy & Power | Publish Date: 08-Aug-2025 | No of Pages: 206 | No. of Tables: 166 | No. of Figures: 111 | Format: PDF | Report Code : EP1245

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The UK Waste Management Market Overview

The UK Waste Management Market size was valued at USD 8.32 billion in 2023, and is predicted to reach USD 12.50 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 4.90% from 2024 to 2030.

The UK waste management market involves a wide range of services and activities aimed at managing and mitigating the impact of waste generated by various sectors including residential, commercial, industrial, and healthcare. It includes the collection, transportation, processing, recycling, and disposal of waste materials in a manner that is environmentally responsible and sustainable. The market also involves the development and implementation of technologies and practices that promote waste reduction, resource recovery, and the safe handling of hazardous materials.

Key components of the waste reduction market include waste collection services, recycling facilities, waste-to-energy plants, landfill operations, and environmental consulting services. As awareness of environmental issues grows, the waste reduction market continues to expand, driven by growing population, technological advancements, and increasing public demand for sustainable waste solutions.

Mandatory EPR Regulations for C&D Waste Stimulate Deployment of Recovery Infrastructure

The UK’s new Construction & Demolition (C&D) Waste Management regulations introduce enforceable Extended Producer Responsibility mandates for major building projects. Producers must register and report via a centralized portal, shifting accountability for waste handling from local councils to developers. This policy shift is prompting significant investment in on-site and centralized infrastructure—such as mobile crushers, material recovery facilities, and sorting plants—supporting the emergence of circular construction practices and expanding demand for advanced C&D waste technologies.

 

Smart City Initiatives Accelerate IOT and AI-Enabled Waste Collection Systems

Smart city programs across the UK are integrating IoT and AI solutions into waste management operations. Sensor-equipped bins and GPS-monitored waste trucks enable real-time monitoring, which supports optimized collection routes, reduced emissions, and enhanced recycling precision. Concurrently, AI-enhanced sorting systems are improving material recovery rates. These innovations are propelled by urban digitization strategies and circular economy goals, driving demand for intelligent waste infrastructure and private sector innovation.

 

Inconsistent Regulation and Spacial Limitations Hinder Infrastructure Rollout

Despite national policies aiming to modernize waste infrastructure, fragmented enforcement by regional authorities impedes consistent progress. Many local councils lack coordination or funding to implement national standards effectively. Moreover, land scarcity—especially due to green belt and urban planning restrictions—limits availability for new treatment facilities like MRFs or composting plants. These combined regulatory and spatial challenges continue to slow investment and limit scalability in the waste management sector.

Scalable Decentralized Waste Processing Models Offer a Transformative Path for Urban and Peri-Urban Areas

With urban density and growing waste volumes straining centralized systems, decentralized solutions are gaining traction. Modular systems—such as local composters, compact recycling units, and community-scale anaerobic digesters—provide flexible, low-footprint alternatives that reduce transport impact and foster local engagement. Supported by funding incentives and integration into strategic planning, these models are emerging as scalable, community-driven solutions that bolster resilience and inclusion in the UK’s circular economy transformation.

 

Competitive Landscape

The promising key players operating in the UK waste management industry includes Veolia Environmental Services UK Ltd., Biffa Limited, Renewi Plc, Viridor Limited, FCC Recycling (UK) Ltd., Mick George Group Ltd., DS Smith Recycling Ltd., Reconomy Ltd., REMONDIS Waste Solutions Ltd., Cory Group, Grundon Waste Management Ltd., Collect and Recycle, Simply Waste Solutions Ltd., Enva Ireland Ltd., Sims Recycling Solutions, and others.

The UK Waste Management Market Key Segments

By Waste Type                

  • Hazardous Waste            

    • Solid Waste        

    • Liquid Waste        

    • Gaseous Waste        

  • Non-Hazardous Waste            

    • Food        

    • Paper and Cardboard        

    • Plastic        

    • Glass        

    • Metal        

    • Water        

    • E-Waste        

    • Others        

By Service                

  • Collection            

    • Collection and Transportation        

    • Storage and Handling        

    • Sorting        

  • Disposal            

    • Open Dumping        

    • Incineration/Combustion        

    • Landfills        

    • Recycling        

    • Composting and Anaerobic Digestion        

By Source                

  • Residential or Municipal Waste            

  • Commercial Waste            

    • Offices and Retail Stores        

    • Hospitals        

    • Restaurants        

    • Other Commercial Sources        

  • Industrial Waste            

    • Manufacturing Waste        

    • Construction, Renovation, and Demolition Waste        

    • Agriculture Waste        

    • Medical Waste        

    • Other Industrial Sources

Key Players

  • Veolia Environmental Services UK Ltd.

  • Biffa Limited

  • Renewi Plc

  • Viridor Limited

  • FCC Recycling (UK) Ltd.

  • Mick George Group Ltd.

  • DS Smith Recycling Ltd.

  • Reconomy Ltd.

  • REMONDIS Waste Solutions Ltd.

  • Cory Group

  • Grundon Waste Management Ltd.

  • Collect and Recycle

  • Simply Waste Solutions Ltd.

  • Enva Ireland Ltd.

  • Sims Recycling Solutions

REPORT SCOPE AND SEGMENTATION:

Parameters

Details

Market Size Value in 2023

USD 8.32 billion

Revenue Forecast in 2030

USD 12.50 billion

Value Growth Rate

CAGR of 4.90% from 2024 to 2030

Analysis Period

2023–2030

Base Year Considered

2023

Forecast Period

2024–2030

Market Size Estimation

Billion (USD)

Growth Factors

  • Mandatory EPR Regulations for C&D Waste Stimulate Deployment of Recovery Infrastructure

  • Smart City Initiatives Accelerate IOT and AI-Enabled Waste Collection Systems

Companies Profiled

15

Customization Scope

Free customization (equivalent up to 80 working hours of analysts) after purchase. Addition or alteration to country, regional, and segment scope.

Pricing and Purchase Options

Avail customized purchase options to meet your exact research needs.

UK Waste Management Market Revenue by 2030 (Billion USD) UK Waste Management Market Segmentation UK Waste Management Market Major Regions

Frequently Asked Questions

The UK waste management market was valued at USD 8.32 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.90% to reach USD 12.50 billion by 2030.

The key players in the UK waste management market include Veolia Environmental Services UK Ltd., Biffa Limited, Renewi Plc, Viridor Limited, FCC Recycling (UK) Ltd., Mick George Group Ltd., DS Smith Recycling Ltd., Reconomy Ltd., REMONDIS Waste Solutions Ltd., Cory Group, Grundon Waste Management Ltd., Collect and Recycle, Simply Waste Solutions Ltd., Enva Ireland Ltd., Sims Recycling Solutions, and others.

The budget constraints and environmental concerns restrain the UK waste management market growth.

The adoption of waste-to-energy technologies creates future growth opportunities in the market.

The UK generates various types of waste, including municipal solid waste (MSW), industrial waste, agricultural waste, and hazardous waste. MSW is the most common, consisting of organic waste, plastics, paper, glass, and metal.

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