Waste recycling market seen doubling to $101.2 billion by 2032

Allied Market Research says the global waste recycling market was valued at $51.74 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $101.2 billion by 2032, driven by tighter plastic rules, municipal recycling efforts and Asia-Pacific growth. The report flags plastics as the top product segment and Asia-Pacific as the largest regional market in 2023.

Why it matters: - The waste recycling market is projected to nearly double by 2032, signaling more spending on collection, sorting, processing and recycling infrastructure. - Growth in recycling supports jobs, local economies and circular-economy goals. - The market also reflects rising pressure on governments and businesses to reduce landfill use and manage plastic pollution.

What happened: - Allied Market Research published a report on the global waste recycling market on June 9, 2026. - The report values the market at $51.74 billion in 2023. - The report forecasts the market will reach $101.2 billion by 2032. - The report projects a 6.9% compound annual growth rate from 2024 to 2032. - The report covers product types including metals, plastics, glass, paper and paperboard, and others. - The report covers applications including municipal, industrial and others.

The details: - Plastic held the largest product share in 2023. - The plastic segment is benefiting from high global plastic waste volumes and tighter regulation aimed at reducing pollution. - Chemical recycling and advanced sorting systems are helping expand plastic recycling capacity. - Municipal use held the largest application share in 2023. - Municipalities are using recycling mandates, bans on certain non-recyclable materials and incentives to push recycling. - Local businesses, community groups and recycling stakeholders are working with municipalities to improve collection and processing. - Some municipalities are adopting advanced sorting equipment, waste-to-energy technologies and data analytics to improve recycling programs. - Asia-Pacific held the largest regional share in 2023. - China, India and Indonesia are generating more waste as urbanization and industrialization accelerate. - Urban population in Asia-Pacific is projected to reach 3.3 billion by 2050. - China’s National Sword policy has reshaped global recycling markets and pushed domestic recycling infrastructure development. - The report names Veolia Environment S.A., SUEZ, Waste Management, Inc., Republic Services, Inc., Stericycle, Inc., Clean Harbors, Inc., Covanta Holding Corporation, Advanced Disposal Services, Inc., Biffa Group and Renewi plc as key players. - The report says these companies are using product launches, collaborations, expansion, joint ventures and agreements to defend and grow market share.

Between the lines: - The forecast suggests recycling is shifting from a compliance function to a larger infrastructure and technology market. - Asia-Pacific’s lead shows how population growth and policy can move global recycling supply chains. - The report’s emphasis on plastics points to the segment where regulation and technology are changing fastest.

What’s next: - Governments are likely to keep tightening waste rules, especially around plastics. - Recycling operators may keep investing in automation, advanced sorting and chemical recycling. - Asia-Pacific demand should remain central as cities grow and waste volumes rise. - Request a sample of the report