The Waste Management Market in Europe by 2030
Target markets and strategic moves of industry leaders
The latest market and competition figures
Our 2030 forecasts and detailed country-by-country data
Numerous case studies to illustrate the trends and challenges facing the sector
Top 185 leading companies in Europe
An operational format with 30 slides of insights and a detailed 230-page report
Access to the complete study database
4500 €
IN THIS REPORT
Understand market dynamics and outlook through 2030
While providing all the figures needed to understand market trends in Europe, the study offers exclusive forecasts for the sector up to 2030. Which segments—collection, treatment, or recycling—will experience the strongest growth? How will regulatory changes transform business models? And what are the real development prospects for each country?
Identify regions and countries with strong potential
Using an exclusive scoring system based on more than 20 competitiveness indicators, this study helps you to rank the areas of opportunity on the European continent. Which countries combine market dynamics, a favourable regulatory framework and an attractive competitive environment? What are the distinctive strengths and assets of each country?
Decode the strategies of waste management specialists
The study offers a complete mapping of the competition on a European scale: market share, location strategies, profiles of the leaders, top 185 key companies in the sector, etc. Who are the most dynamic groups? What alliances or repositionings are underway?
Detailed plan
Report scope and market overview
The European waste management market is estimated at nearly €266 billion. It covers all operations related to waste collection, treatment (including sorting, landfill, composting, energy recovery) and recycling. Germany leads the way, with nearly €58.4 billion in revenue, followed by other major industrial and demographic powers such as France, Italy, the UK and Spain. Poland and Turkey are also gaining ground as key emerging markets.
Between 2022 and 2024, the sector was hit by a marked downturn in construction and industry, its two main client sectors. These alone account for nearly 75% of waste generation in the European Union, primarily mineral waste (excavated earth, concrete, cement) and metals—making them critical waste types. The decline in activity in these segments has directly impacted demand for disposal and waste treatment services.
The market remains highly fragmented. Veolia is the clear European leader, followed by Remondis and Suez. However, competition varies widely between countries, depending on the degree of market liberalisation and the historical presence of strong local operators, particularly in municipal waste management.
The sector is undergoing a structural transformation, driven by climate goals and evolving EU regulations. Reducing waste at source, phasing out landfill, and boosting recycling and energy recovery are now top priorities. At the same time, companies must align with circular economy principles, optimise costs, and modernise operations—using technologies like computer vision in sorting facilities to improve performance and efficiency.
In around thirty slides, the executive summary gives access to the conclusions of the study on the outlook for business prospects for waste managers between now and 2030, competitive dynamics and strategic issues.
Market drivers and demand indicators : economic conditions by country, regulations, competition between virgin and recycled materials, dynamics of the construction and manufacturing industries, etc.
The latest market figures and characteristics : size and structure of the waste market by country in terms of volume and value, dynamics of the European market and in 4 countries (Germany, Spain, France and Italy).
Market performance indicators : price of secondary recyclable materials, sales in waste collection, treatment and recycling, financial performance of leading groups, etc.
Xerfi's 2030 forecasts for the market and sales of waste management companies
- Reducing the carbon footprint of waste collection / Case studies : Veolia, Green Collective
- Recovery of landfill gas and CO2from incinerators is becoming widespread / Case study : Paprec
- The production of renewable gases from waste is accelerating in the EU / Case study : PreZero
- Solid recovered fuels (SRF) take advantage of industry's need for green heat
- Artificial intelligence becomes essential in sorting centres / Case studies : Renewi, Remondis
- Internationalisation is a powerful growth driver / Case study : Paprec
- Chemical recycling of plastics opens up new prospects / Case study: Indaver
- Reuse and reconditioning are gaining ground in Europe / Case study : Stena Metall
- The production of low-carbon heat and fuels, a crucial challenge for the sector / Case study : Suez
Which markets have the greatest potential in Europe?
- The exclusive ranking of countries according to their attractiveness to players in the sector
Where to invest, where to grow?
- Comparative mapping of countries using over twenty key economic and sectoral criteria
- Market dynamics and potential: size of the domestic market, legislative framework, trajectories to 2030, etc.
- Competitive environment: competitive pressure, industrial density, taxation, cost of and access to energy
- Skills and labour costs: quality of human capital, productivity, availability of labour
A detailed strategic analysis of 15 markets : Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Turkey and the United Kingdom.
The forces at work in waste management : rankings, market share, financial performance, positioning and location of leading groups
Key player profiles : Derichebourg, European Metal Recycling, FCC, Paprec, PreZero, Remondis, Renewi, Suez, Urbaser and Veolia
Top 185 companies in Europe : location, sales, staff costs, Ebitda
Companies covered
Tables and charts
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