Medical Waste Management Market Worth USD 39.8 Billion in 2025 as WHO, EPA and New Tech Define Waste Solutions

The global medical waste management market size is calculated at USD 39.8 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach around USD 79.83 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 8.04% for the forecasted period.

Ottawa, July 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global medical waste management market size was valued at USD 36.84 billion in 2024 and is predicted to hit around USD 79.83 billion by 2034, a study published by Towards Healthcare a sister firm of Precedence Research. The shift towards advanced and eco-friendly treatment methods and increased recycling and reuse of materials fuels the growth of the market.

Get a sneak peek into key market trends and strategic insights @ https://www.towardshealthcare.com/download-sample/5463

Key Takeaways

North America held the largest share of the medical waste management market in 2024.
Asia Pacific is estimated to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.
By treatment site, the off-site segment held the dominant share of the market in 2024.
By treatment site, the on-site segment is estimated to grow significantly during the forecast period.
By treatment, the incineration segment dominated the market in 2024.
By treatment, the autoclave segment is anticipated to grow at a significant rate in the market during the predicted time frame.

Market Overview & Potential

Medical waste management encompasses the safe handling, storage, treatment, and disposal of waste produced in healthcare facilities to reduce risks to human health and the environment. Effective procedures involve proper segregation, collection, transportation, and disposal tailored to different types of medical waste.

The significance of proper medical waste management includes safeguarding public health by preventing the spread of infections and diseases from contaminated waste, protecting healthcare workers by reducing occupational hazards, and shielding the environment from pollution and soil or water contamination. Additionally, compliance with local and national regulations ensures proper medical waste practices.

What is the Growth Potential Responsible for the Growth of the Medical Waste Management Market?

The medical waste management market is mainly fueled by the rising amount of healthcare waste produced worldwide, increased use of disposable medical items, a higher number of surgical procedures, stricter regulations, and a greater focus on sustainable practices. Additional important factors include the growth of the healthcare sector, especially in developing areas, and the expanding elderly population. Other growth drivers include technological innovations such as new treatment and disposal methods, AI applications in waste management, increased healthcare spending, and a focus on the circular economy, all contributing to market expansion.

Access detailed statistics, historical data, and market forecasts in one place @ https://www.towardshealthcare.com/download-databook/5463

What Are the Growing Trends Associated with The Medical Waste Management Market?

Advanced Treatment Technologies

The growing demand for advanced treatments like microwave treatment, autoclaving, and plasma arc technologies with environmentally friendly solutions drives the growth.

Growing Awareness and Regulations

Increasing awareness of the health and environmental risks associated further propels the growth of the market.

Technological Advancement

The integration of technologies like robotics, automation, and AI in streamlining waste handling processes fuels the growth of the market.

Focus On Waste Segregation

Early-stage waste segregation and emphasis on color-coded segregation systems further fuel the growth of the market.

What Is the Growing Challenge in the Medical Waste Management Market?

The global medical waste management market encounters multiple significant challenges, such as the rising volume of medical waste, inadequate infrastructure for collection and transportation, the necessity for sustainable and eco-friendly disposal solutions, and strict regulatory and compliance standards. These issues are intensified by the increasing number of healthcare facilities, the outbreak of infectious diseases, and the growing environmental concerns associated with improper waste disposal.

You can place an order or ask any questions, please feel free to contact us at sales@towardshealthcare.com

Regional Analysis

How Did North America Dominate the Medical Waste Management Market in 2024?

North America held the largest share of the medical waste management market in 2024. The growth of the market 8is driven by the increased healthcare expenditure and services in the region, which generate a volume of medical waste. The stringent regulation and government initiatives for proper disposal of waste and adoption of better management practices are a growing trend in the region, which fuels the growth of the market. The growing environmental awareness due to rising waste and pollution, and increasing adoption of professional waste management practices for managing health risks associated with improper waste management are the factors that boost the growth of the market in the region.

Medical waste in the U.S. is rising due to population growth, increased healthcare services, and disposable equipment use. It generates over 5 million tons annually. Waste is managed through incineration, autoclaving, and landfilling. Regulations are governed by the EPA and state agencies, focusing on segregation, treatment, and environmental safety.

Canada faces growing medical waste volumes from aging populations and advanced medical procedures. Provinces handle healthcare waste individually, following national guidelines. Waste is treated via incineration, chemical disinfection, and thermal processes. Emphasis is placed on sustainable practices, including recycling non-hazardous waste and reducing single-use plastics in hospitals and clinics.

What Made Asia Pacific Significantly Grow in The Medical Waste Management Market In 2024?

Asia Pacific is estimated to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. The growth of the market is driven by technological advancements and the adoption of advanced waste treatment technologies, such as autoclave, in-site modular systems, and microwave irradiation also contribute to the growth of the market in the region.

The growth is also driven by the rise in chronic diseases and an aging population in the region, also leads to higher medical procedures and generates more medical waste, which contributes to the growth of the market. The other growing trend in the region is the shift towards sustainable practices, preference for non-incineration technologies, digitalization, and automation, and onsite treatment are some of the factors that boost the growth of the market in the region.

China’s medical waste surged post-COVID-19, exceeding 1 million tons yearly. Urbanization and expanded healthcare access contribute to this rise. The government enforces strict waste segregation, tracking, and high-temperature incineration. Recent reforms mandate real-time monitoring and centralized disposal to curb illegal dumping and protect public health and environmental quality.

India’s medical waste is growing with its expanding healthcare sector, generating over 700 tons daily. Challenges include improper segregation, outdated infrastructure, and poor compliance. The Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules require authorized treatment facilities. Efforts focus on awareness, stricter enforcement, and investment in advanced treatment technologies like microwaving and deep burial.

Get the latest insights on life science industry segmentation with our Annual Membership: https://www.towardshealthcare.com/get-an-annual-membership

Segmental Insights

By Treatment site

How Did the Off-Site Segment Dominate the Medical Waste Management Market In 2024?

The off-site segment held the dominant share of the market in 2024. Off-site medical waste management is a vital segment in the medical waste management market, involving the collection, transportation, and treatment of waste at specialized, licensed facilities away from the healthcare provider’s location.

This approach ensures safe, compliant handling of hazardous materials like infectious waste, sharps, and chemical residues, reducing the burden on hospitals and clinics. Off-site services provide advanced treatment technologies and strict regulatory compliance, enhancing environmental safety. The growing emphasis on proper disposal and infection control drives strong demand, supporting market expansion.

The on-site segment is estimated to grow significantly during the forecast period. On-site medical waste management is a crucial segment in the medical waste management market, where waste is treated and disposed of directly at the healthcare facility itself. This approach offers immediate handling of infectious and hazardous waste, reducing risks of contamination during transport and enhancing safety for staff and patients.

On-site solutions include autoclaving, shredding, and compacting systems, providing operational control and compliance with strict regulations. The need for quick, efficient, and secure waste treatment drives demand for on-site management, supporting market growth.

By Treatment

Which Treatment Segment Dominates the Medical Waste Management Market In 2024?

The incineration segment dominated the market in 2024. Incineration is a key treatment method in the medical waste management market, used to safely destroy infectious, hazardous, and pharmaceutical waste through high-temperature combustion. This process significantly reduces waste volume and neutralizes harmful pathogens, ensuring effective and compliant disposal. Incineration is especially crucial for handling pathological and certain chemical wastes that cannot be treated by other methods. The growing need for complete sterilization and strict environmental regulations drives the demand for incineration, supporting the expansion of advanced, sustainable waste management solutions.

The autoclave segment is anticipated to grow at a significant rate in the market during the predicted time frame. Autoclave treatment is a widely used method in the medical waste management market, utilizing high-pressure saturated steam to sterilize infectious and biohazardous waste. This process effectively kills pathogens and reduces health risks, making the treated waste safe for disposal or further processing. Autoclaving is preferred for its environmental friendliness compared to incineration and its ability to handle a wide range of waste types, including sharps and laboratory materials. The growing focus on sustainable, safe, and cost-effective waste treatment drives demand for autoclave systems, supporting market growth.

Elevate your healthcare strategy with Towards Healthcare. Enhance efficiency and drive better outcomes schedule a call today: https://www.towardshealthcare.com/schedule-meeting

Recent Developments

In February 2025, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced the launch of Indigenous automated biomedical waste treatment. This innovative, environmentally friendly technology offers a significant advancement in the sustainable management of biomedical waste.

In June 2025, the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), launched a certification program for biomedical waste management.

Top Companies and Their Contributions to the Market

Company	Contribution & Offerings
REMONDIS SE & Co. KG	German-based, offers comprehensive hazardous and medical waste treatment across Europe. Focuses on recycling and sustainable disposal technologies.
Republic Services, Inc.	U.S.-based, provides regulated medical waste services including sharps and pharmaceutical disposal. Emphasizes eco-friendly landfilling and recycling.
Sharps Compliance, Inc.	Specializes in mail-back systems for small medical waste generators in the U.S. Offers cost-effective and compliant solutions for clinics and households.
Stericycle, Inc.	A global leader in regulated waste and compliance solutions, serving hospitals, labs, and pharmacies. Known for large-scale operations and integrated services.
Suez Environment	France-based, offers global environmental services including medical waste collection, disinfection, and incineration. Promotes circular economy principles.
Veolia	Operates globally with advanced waste treatment technologies. Provides medical waste solutions tailored to hospitals, including mobile units.
Waste Management, Inc.	U.S.-based giant offering biomedical and hazardous waste services. Focuses on sustainability and regulatory compliance.
Clean Harbors, Inc.	Offers comprehensive hazardous waste disposal and emergency response. Serves hospitals, labs, and industrial clients.
Biomedical Waste Solutions	U.S.-focused, specializes in affordable, compliant medical waste disposal for small-to-mid healthcare providers.
Daniels Sharpsmart, Inc.	Innovator in reusable sharps containers. Provides full-service medical waste management with a focus on infection control and sustainability.

Key Players in the Medical Waste Management Market

REMONDIS SE & Co. KG
Republic Services, Inc
Sharp Compliance, Inc
Stericycle, Inc
Suez environment
Veolia
Waste Management, Inc
Clean Harbors, Inc.
Biomedical Waste Solutions, LLC
Daniels Sharpsmart, Inc.

Browse More Insights of Towards Healthcare:

AI in Medical Billing Market
The global AI in medical billing market is valued at $3.73 billion in 2024, expected to grow to $4.68 billion in 2025, and projected to reach around $36.37 billion by 2034, growing at a robust CAGR of 25.4% from 2025 to 2034.

Medical Foods for Orphan Disease Market
The medical foods for orphan disease market stands at $8.84 billion in 2024, will grow slightly to $9.3 billion in 2025, and is estimated to hit $14.65 billion by 2034, at a CAGR of 5.2% during the forecast period.

Automated Medical Coding Market
The automated medical coding market is advancing rapidly and is expected to generate hundreds of millions in revenue globally between 2025 and 2034.

Pain Management Devices Market
The pain management devices market is valued at $7.68 billion in 2024, growing to $8.41 billion in 2025, and forecasted to reach $19.1 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 9.54%.

Medical Device CRO Market
The medical device contract research organization (CRO) market is worth $8.49 billion in 2024, projected to rise to $9.25 billion in 2025, and reach around $19.9 billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 8.98%.

Medical Polymers Market
The global medical polymers market is valued at $23.29 billion in 2024, expected to grow to $25.16 billion in 2025, and projected to reach $50.46 billion by 2034, registering a CAGR of 8.04%.

Medical Billing Market
The global medical billing market is calculated at $17.86 billion in 2024, rising to $20.04 billion in 2025, and anticipated to hit $54.93 billion by 2034, growing steadily at a CAGR of 12.17%.

Medical Membrane Market
The medical membrane market size is $4.26 billion in 2024, increasing to $4.58 billion in 2025, and projected to reach $8.74 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 7.45%.

Medical Imaging Market
The global medical imaging market stands at $41.64 billion in 2024, growing to $43.72 billion in 2025, and is forecasted to reach $67.87 billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 4.99%.

Wearable Medical Devices Market
The wearable medical devices market is growing quickly, starting at $42.78 billion in 2024, rising to $53.68 billion in 2025, and expected to reach a massive $408.61 billion by 2034, with an impressive CAGR of 25.57%.

Segments Covered in The Report

By Treatment Site

Onsite
- Collection
- Treatment
- Recycling
- Others
Offsite
- Collection
- Treatment
- Recycling
- Others

By Treatment

Incineration
Autoclaving
Chemical treatment
Others

By Region

North America
- U.S.
- Canada
Asia Pacific
- China
- Japan
- India
- South Korea
- Thailand
Europe
- Germany
- UK
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Sweden
- Denmark
- Norway
Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Argentina
Middle East and Africa (MEA)
- South Africa
- UAE
- Saudi Arabia
- Kuwait

To invest in our premium strategic solution and customized market report options, click here: https://www.towardshealthcare.com/price/5463

You can place an order or ask any questions, please feel free to contact us at sales@towardshealthcare.com

Gain access to the latest insights and statistics in the healthcare industry by subscribing to our Annual Membership. Stay updated on healthcare industry segmentation with detailed reports, market trends, and expert analysis tailored to your needs. Stay ahead of the curve with valuable resources and strategic recommendations. Join today to unlock a wealth of knowledge and opportunities in the dynamic world of healthcare: Get a Subscription

About Us

Towards Healthcare is a leading global provider of technological solutions, clinical research services, and advanced analytics, with a strong emphasis on life science research. Dedicated to advancing innovation in the life sciences sector, we build strategic partnerships that generate actionable insights and transformative breakthroughs. As a global strategy consulting firm, we empower life science leaders to gain a competitive edge, drive research excellence, and accelerate sustainable growth.

Our Trusted Data Partners

For Latest Update Follow Us: https://www.linkedin.com/company/towards-healthcare

Legal Disclaimer:

EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.