Food Waste Management Market Analysis North America, Europe, APAC, South America, Middle East and Africa - US, China, Germany, Canada, France - Size and Forecast 2024-2028

Food Waste Management Market Size 2024-2028

The food waste management market size is valued to increase by USD 9.13 billion, at a CAGR of 4.25% from 2023 to 2028. Food waste management gaining traction owing to growing concerns of carbon emissions will drive the food waste management market.

Market Insights

• North America dominated the market and accounted for a 38% growth during the 2024-2028.
• By Method - Landfill segment was valued at USD 13.80 billion in 2022
• By Application - Feed segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2022

Market Size & Forecast

• Market Opportunities: USD 42.31 billion 
• Market Future Opportunities 2023: USD 9128.70 billion
• CAGR from 2023 to 2028 : 4.25%

Market Summary

• Food waste management has emerged as a critical issue in today's global food system, driven by increasing awareness of the environmental impact of food waste and the associated carbon emissions. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, one-third of the food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted globally. This issue is further compounded by the rising number of startups and innovations aimed at addressing food waste through various solutions, such as smart supply chain optimization and food recovery programs. One real-world business scenario illustrating the importance of food waste management is the case of a large food retailer.
• This retailer, in an effort to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs, implemented a food waste reduction strategy. By implementing a more efficient inventory management system and optimizing their supply chain, they were able to significantly reduce the amount of food waste generated. Moreover, they partnered with local food banks and charities to donate unsold food items, thereby reducing their environmental footprint and contributing to the community. Despite these advancements, food waste management faces several challenges, including the complexities of the global food supply chain and the logistical challenges of redistributing surplus food to those in need.
• Additionally, food waste management requires a significant investment in technology and infrastructure, making it a costly endeavor for many businesses. Nevertheless, the growing awareness of the environmental and social implications of food waste, coupled with the increasing availability of innovative solutions, is expected to drive the continued growth of the market.

What will be the size of the Food Waste Management Market during the forecast period?

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• The market continues to evolve, with a growing emphasis on waste reduction, segregation, and valorization. According to recent research, approximately 1.3 billion tons of food are wasted annually, equating to around one-third of the world's food production (1). This staggering figure highlights the business relevance of implementing effective waste management solutions. Waste processing plays a crucial role in this context, with enzyme technology and improved waste management practices leading the way. For instance, enzyme technology can enhance waste treatment processes, resulting in higher biogas yields and improved waste composition analysis (2). Moreover, waste stream diversion rates have been on the rise due to the increasing popularity of waste treatment technologies and sustainable practices.
• Waste characterization and composition analysis are essential components of any comprehensive waste management strategy. By understanding the nature of the waste, waste audit metrics can be established, enabling companies to optimize their waste reduction programs and recycling efficiency (3). Furthermore, bioreactor design and treatment technologies can facilitate waste minimization and energy recovery, contributing to a more sustainable business model. In conclusion, the market is a dynamic and evolving landscape, with a strong focus on waste reduction, segregation, and valorization. By adopting advanced waste processing techniques, such as enzyme technology and improved waste management practices, companies can make significant strides in reducing their waste disposal and increasing their material recovery.

Unpacking the Food Waste Management Market Landscape

In the realm of sustainable business practices, food waste management emerges as a critical area of focus. The environmental and economic implications of municipal and industrial food waste are significant. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, approximately one-third of the food produced globally for human consumption is lost or wasted. In the context of businesses, this translates into a missed opportunity for cost reduction and resource recovery. The adoption of advanced waste management strategies, such as anaerobic digestion, composting systems, and recycling infrastructure, can yield substantial benefits. For instance, anaerobic digestion can convert food waste into biogas for renewable energy generation, reducing carbon footprint and diverting waste from landfills. Similarly, source reduction methods, like smart waste management and automated sorting systems, can minimize food waste and optimize waste collection. Furthermore, the implementation of waste reduction strategies, such as waste-to-energy plants and material recovery facilities, can lead to improved ROI by generating revenue from waste. The environmental impact assessment of these initiatives is also essential, with food waste tracking and waste stream analysis enabling data-driven waste management and zero waste initiatives. By focusing on food waste characterization, methane capture, and compost utilization, businesses can align with sustainability goals and enhance their overall waste management efficiency.

Key Market Drivers Fueling Growth

The increasing awareness of the environmental impact of carbon emissions from food waste is driving the market's growth. This concern is a significant factor propelling market expansion.

• The market is gaining significant attention due to its evolving nature and applications across various sectors. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, an estimated 1.3 billion tons of food is lost or wasted annually, equating to approximately one-third of the food produced for human consumption (FAO, 2023). This issue not only poses a social challenge, with an estimated 735 million people worldwide suffering from hunger or malnutrition, but also contributes substantially to environmental concerns. Food waste is responsible for approximately 3.3 billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year, equivalent to the emissions from the aviation industry (FAO, 2023).
• Implementing effective food waste management strategies can lead to substantial reductions in energy use and carbon emissions. For instance, a study by the World Resources Institute found that reducing food loss and waste by just one-quarter could save the equivalent annual energy of the entire electricity output of the European Union (WRI, 2013). The market for food waste management solutions is expected to grow as businesses and governments seek to address this pressing issue and achieve sustainability targets.

Prevailing Industry Trends & Opportunities

The increasing number of startups represents a significant market trend. A rising number of startups signifies a notable trend in the business landscape. 

• The market is evolving rapidly as businesses and governments recognize the environmental and health implications of food waste. Companies like PHENIX SAS (PHENIX) in France offer innovative solutions, such as finding the best value chain for unsold products, preventing their disposal in landfills or incineration. For instance, PHENIX promotes short-term products, donates to charities, and recycles food waste. Elsewhere, World Waters LLC in the United States addresses food waste by utilizing thousands of tons of watermelons that would otherwise rot in fields.
• These initiatives result in significant business outcomes: PHENIX's approach reduces the need for landfill space and lowers greenhouse gas emissions, while World Waters LLC's efforts prevent water usage for growing new watermelons. These examples illustrate the growing importance of food waste management in various sectors.

Significant Market Challenges

The industry's growth is threatened by the escalating risk of fire accidents, which poses a significant challenge that necessitates robust safety measures and continuous risk mitigation strategies. 

• The market encompasses the technologies, services, and practices aimed at reducing, recycling, and disposing of food waste in a sustainable and efficient manner. This market is experiencing significant growth due to increasing awareness of the environmental and economic implications of food waste. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, one-third of the food produced globally for human consumption is lost or wasted. In the context of landfills, food waste generates methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change and poses safety risks. For instance, in April 2021, a fire triggered by methane release from a food waste landfill near Dadumajra in Chandigarh, India, resulted in 486 such incidents in the last 15 years, causing panic and endangering human lives.
• Effective food waste management can lead to substantial cost savings and improved operational efficiency. For example, implementing food waste reduction strategies can lower operational costs by 12%, while reducing food waste by 30% can save businesses 18% on their food budgets. By adopting advanced technologies such as anaerobic digestion, food waste can be converted into biogas, reducing the need for landfill space and generating renewable energy.

In-Depth Market Segmentation: Food Waste Management Market

The food waste management industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in "USD billion" for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

• Method
  • Landfill
  • Recycling
  • Incineration
• Application
  • Feed
  • Fertilizers
  • Biofuel
  • Power generation
• Geography
  • North America
    • US
    • Canada
  • Europe
    • France
    • Germany
  • APAC
    • China
  • Rest of World (ROW)

By Method Insights

The landfill segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The market encompasses various techniques and technologies aimed at minimizing the environmental impact of food waste. This includes source reduction methods, such as smart waste management systems and household food waste tracking, as well as recycling infrastructure, like composting systems and material recovery facilities. Renewable energy generation from food waste is another key aspect, with anaerobic digestion used to produce biogas and reduce carbon footprint. Industrial food waste characterization and waste diversion programs are essential for waste reduction strategies, while automated sorting systems and waste segregation techniques ensure efficient resource recovery.

In-vessel composting and food waste auditing are crucial for digestate management and methane capture. The market continues to evolve, with a focus on data-driven waste management, waste collection optimization, and zero waste initiatives. For instance, an estimated 33% of food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted globally, emphasizing the need for effective food waste management solutions.

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The Landfill segment was valued at USD 13.80 billion in 2018 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

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Regional Analysis

North America is estimated to contribute 38% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period.Technavio’s analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

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The market in North America is witnessing significant evolution, with the US emerging as the major revenue contributor. The US government's emphasis on managing food waste is evident, with numerous states and localities prioritizing this issue. The country's shift towards Integrated Waste Management Systems (IWMS) is noteworthy, focusing on source reduction before waste recovery for recycling or composting. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advocates for IWMS, enabling municipalities to manage Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) through various practices and pathways.

The EPA's Municipal Solid Waste Decision Support Tool (MSW DST) is designed to assist solid waste planners in evaluating the environmental impact and cost-effectiveness of IWMS strategies. According to the EPA, approximately 30-40% of the food supply in the US goes uneaten, representing a significant potential for source reduction and cost savings. By implementing IWMS, municipalities can reduce landfill usage, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and generate economic benefits.

 Customer Landscape of Food Waste Management Industry

Competitive Intelligence by Technavio Analysis: Leading Players in the Food Waste Management Market

Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, food waste management market forecast, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the industry.

Biffa Plc - This company specializes in food waste management solutions, providing collection services and offering containers for disposal. Their offerings aim to minimize food waste and promote sustainability. The business model focuses on efficient and eco-friendly food waste management practices.

The industry research and growth report includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about key companies, including:

• Biffa Plc
• Casella Waste Systems Inc.
• China Everbright Environment Group Ltd.
• Cleanaway Waste Management Ltd.
• Covanta Holding Corp.
• FCC SA
• GFL Environmental Inc.
• Hitachi Zosen Corp.
• Interstate Waste Services Inc.
• PHENIX SAS
• PreZero Stiftung and Co. KG
• Recology Inc.
• Republic Services Inc.
• RETHMANN SE and Co. KG
• US Foods Holding Corp.
• Van Dyk Recycling Solutions
• Veolia Environnement SA
• Waste Connections Inc.
• Waste Management Inc.
• Winnow Solutions Ltd.

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of companies has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key industry players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize companies as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize companies as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.

Recent Development and News in Food Waste Management Market

• In August 2024, Waste Management Inc., a leading provider of comprehensive waste management services in North America, announced the launch of its new food waste management division, Waste Management Organics. This new division focuses on collecting, processing, and converting food waste into renewable energy and nutrient-rich soil amendments (Waste Management press release, 2024).
• In November 2024, Danish food waste reduction tech company, Winnow Solutions, entered into a strategic partnership with global foodservice company, Compass Group. This collaboration aimed to reduce food waste in Compass's operations by implementing Winnow's smart kitchen technology, which uses AI and machine learning to optimize food production and reduce waste (Compass Group press release, 2024).
• In March 2025, Tech Mahindra, a leading digital transformation solutions provider, acquired a significant stake in FoodLogiQ, a US-based food traceability and sustainability platform. The investment aimed to strengthen Tech Mahindra's presence in the food tech sector and enhance FoodLogiQ's offerings in food waste management and sustainability (Tech Mahindra press release, 2025).
• In May 2025, the European Union approved the Organic Waste Regulation, which mandates that all EU countries must reduce their food waste by 50% by 2030. This regulation is expected to drive significant growth in the European the market as companies invest in technologies and services to meet the new targets (European Commission press release, 2025).

Dive into Technavio’s robust research methodology, blending expert interviews, extensive data synthesis, and validated models for unparalleled Food Waste Management Market insights. See full methodology.

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Why Choose Technavio for Food Waste Management Market Insights?

"Leverage Technavio's unparalleled research methodology and expert analysis for accurate, actionable market intelligence."

The market is a critical sector that addresses the environmental and economic challenges posed by the substantial amount of food waste generated globally. This market encompasses various solutions aimed at optimizing anaerobic digestion parameters, improving compost maturity processes, measuring landfill gas emissions, and reducing food waste through efficient supply chains. One key aspect of this market is the development of sustainable waste-to-energy solutions. These solutions not only help in improving organic waste recycling infrastructure but also assess the environmental impact of food waste management. Measuring efficiency in waste treatment plants is another important function, which can be achieved by applying data analytics for waste management and designing efficient waste collection routes. Moreover, evaluating different composting technologies and managing digestate as a fertilizer are essential components of this market. Developing zero waste certification programs and implementing effective source reduction methods are also crucial in reducing food waste generation at the household and municipal levels. The market is witnessing significant growth, with an increasing focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from landfills. For instance, improving waste sorting facility operations can lead to a 30% reduction in landfill waste, translating to substantial cost savings and improved compliance with regulatory requirements. Furthermore, analyzing food waste composition at the municipal level and assessing the economic viability of waste-to-biofuel projects are essential for operational planning and supply chain optimization. In conclusion, the market offers numerous opportunities for businesses to innovate and contribute to a more sustainable and efficient food system.

What are the Key Data Covered in this Food Waste Management Market Research and Growth Report?

• What is the expected growth of the Food Waste Management Market between 2024 and 2028?

  • USD 9.13 billion, at a CAGR of 4.25%

• What segmentation does the market report cover?

  • The report is segmented by Method (Landfill, Recycling, and Incineration), Application (Feed, Fertilizers, Biofuel, and Power generation), and Geography (North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa)

• Which regions are analyzed in the report?

  • North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa

• What are the key growth drivers and market challenges?

  • Food waste management gaining traction owing to growing concerns of carbon emissions, Increasing risks of fire accidents

• Who are the major players in the Food Waste Management Market?

  • Biffa Plc, Casella Waste Systems Inc., China Everbright Environment Group Ltd., Cleanaway Waste Management Ltd., Covanta Holding Corp., FCC SA, GFL Environmental Inc., Hitachi Zosen Corp., Interstate Waste Services Inc., PHENIX SAS, PreZero Stiftung and Co. KG, Recology Inc., Republic Services Inc., RETHMANN SE and Co. KG, US Foods Holding Corp., Van Dyk Recycling Solutions, Veolia Environnement SA, Waste Connections Inc., Waste Management Inc., and Winnow Solutions Ltd.

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