When business owners think of waste management, their minds go straight to Waste Management (WM). It’s no surprise — they’ve branded themselves rather brilliantly between their no-nonsense name and the classic green and yellow WM we see all over the place. WM has been leading in annual revenue in the massive waste management industry for decades. For many businesses, it’s simply become the default option.
In this article, we will highlight the key competitors in the landfill waste management industry, focusing on the major companies with significant market presence and leadership.
However, there are many other waste management alternatives out there for businesses to consider for these services. Let’s take a look at other companies like Waste Management that you can consider for your collection, disposal, and recycling needs, as well as how to know if you should switch. As a point of clarity, this article does not cover any of the hundreds of local and regional haulers. You may have great options in your area that offer options other than the ones listed here.
Waste Management vs. WM Competitors
Waste Management (WM) is the leading player in the industry responsible for properly collecting, transporting, and recycling all types of waste, from paper to hazardous material. When it comes to how waste management compares to its competitors, it’s important to evaluate various metrics such as customer satisfaction, pricing, and overall performance. Nearly every business in the world requires some kind of waste removal, and the costs can add up quickly. The market size is expected to hit $68 billion in revenue in the United States alone in 2022. WM operates 293 landfills and 146 recycling plants, taking home a massive portion of that. Larger companies like Waste Management and GFL Environmental expand their market share through acquisitions of smaller competitors. Key players in the waste management market include Waste Management, Inc., Republic Services, Waste Connections, Veolia, and Covanta. Niche services offered by major players include hazardous waste disposal, industrial cleanup, and construction/demolition recycling.
The waste management industry is undergoing a transformation as companies respond to growing environmental concerns and evolving customer expectations. One of the most significant trends is the shift toward sustainable waste management solutions, with a strong focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and expanding recycling services. Industry leaders like Casella Waste Systems and Waste Connections are investing in renewable energy projects and advanced recycling technologies to minimize their environmental impact and offer greener waste management solutions. Veolia North America aims to turn waste into new resources whenever possible, focusing on sustainable waste management practices. Companies in the waste management industry invest heavily in R&D for technological innovation to meet environmental standards. Veolia and SUEZ provide comprehensive waste management services, including recycling, treatment, and waste-to-energy.
That being said, the Waste Management competitors listed below have become major players in the country because they do one thing well, reliably pick up waste and recycling. Finding reliable, safe truck drivers and managing routes effectively are among the most important things a waste hauler can do. The number and engagement of employees also play a crucial role in delivering reliable service. If the trash isn’t picked up on time, nothing else matters. And the competitors listed below, as well as Waste Management themselves, are some of the best at this. Waste Management ranks 1st in Customer Net Promoter Score compared to its competitors.
Unfortunately, many of the bigger players in the waste and recycling industry, and the ones listed below are certainly no exception, have very aggressive pricing and billing strategies. As a result, you may find your invoices are ripe with ever-increasing prices and a myriad of overcharges. Hidden fees can arise in waste management contracts, such as charges for extra weight or additional pickups. Some waste management companies offer ‘pay as you throw’ options, which may be more suitable for certain businesses than fixed plans.
As such, the below list is not a recommendation, merely a list of options that compete with Waste Management on a national level. A local or regional vendor may be the best bet, but we’ve found that most of the options listed below, including Waste Management, offer great service. So as long as contracts and invoices are correctly managed and monitored for errors and overcharges, they can still be a great option.
Industry Trends
The waste management industry is undergoing a transformation as companies respond to growing environmental concerns and evolving customer expectations. One of the most significant trends is the shift toward sustainable waste management solutions, with a strong focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and expanding recycling services. Sustainable waste management practices help protect the earth’s resources by cutting down the amount of trash ending up in landfills and incinerators. Industry leaders like Casella Waste Systems and Waste Connections are investing in renewable energy projects and advanced recycling technologies to minimize their environmental impact and offer greener waste management solutions.
Technology is also playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of waste management. Companies are leveraging data analytics and IoT sensors to optimize waste collection routes, monitor landfill conditions, and improve overall efficiency in waste disposal. This technological innovation not only streamlines operations but also helps reduce costs and environmental footprint. AI and robotics are utilized for waste sorting in Material Recovery Facilities to increase purity and recovery rates.
Another major trend is the rise of the circular economy, which encourages companies to design products and processes that keep materials in use for as long as possible. Waste management providers are increasingly aiming to reduce waste generation, promote the reuse of materials, and boost the use of recycled plastics in packaging and manufacturing. The industry is also responding to the global push to reduce single-use plastics, with many companies developing new recycling services and solutions to support this goal. Some companies focus on waste-to-energy plants to generate electricity and steam, providing a revenue stream beyond disposal.
As the waste management industry continues to evolve, companies that focus on sustainability, technology, and the circular economy are positioning themselves for long-term success.
Market Analysis
The waste management market is a robust and rapidly expanding sector, with a projected market size of $229.3 billion by 2028. This growth is fueled by increasing demand for waste management services across industrial, municipal, and residential sectors, as well as stricter government regulations aimed at improving environmental outcomes. The industry is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7% from 2022 to 2030, reflecting the rising need for effective waste collection, recycling services, and disposal solutions.
Within the market, residential waste accounts for nearly a third of the total share, while industrial waste and hazardous waste also represent significant segments. Major players such as Waste Management and Republic Services continue to dominate, but companies like Clean Harbors and Stericycle are making notable contributions, particularly in specialized waste streams and environmental services. Clean Harbors and Stericycle dominate specific sectors by specializing in industrial/hazardous waste and medical waste, respectively. Stericycle specializes in managing medical and pharmaceutical waste.
Investment activity in the waste management industry is also on the rise, with hedge funds and private equity firms recognizing the sector’s potential for growth and innovation. According to Insider Monkey, leading companies are channeling resources into recycling services and waste-to-energy technologies, further driving industry advancement. As competition intensifies, companies are differentiating themselves through innovative solutions, expanded service offerings, and a commitment to sustainability. Advanced recycling processes are used to recover high-quality raw materials from complex waste streams such as e-waste, solvents, and batteries.
Should You Switch? Consider a Waste Management Audit
If you’re currently contracted with Waste Management, the first thing you should do is have a third party run an audit. Companies like P3 Cost Analysts don’t have skin in the game. We are independent experts whose sole goal is to save our clients money, including reducing waste expenses and increasing service efficiency.
We have a team of expert auditors that have been working with businesses that have contracts with Waste Management for years. As a result, we know exactly what to look for when it comes to errors, overcharges, and unnecessary fees. Because we have extensive industry knowledge, we can help you decide whether it’s time to renegotiate your contract with WM or switch to one of these WM competitors.
Unfortunately, these issues are common with Waste Management, similar waste companies, and other companies that offer necessary business services. A properly negotiated contract and ongoing auditing is the only surefire way to guarantee that you’re getting the best pricing on waste management services.
5 Alternatives to Waste Management
1. Waste Connections
The Woodlands, TX
Year founded: 1997
Areas served: US, Canada
Waste Connections offers an extensive list of services that holds up next to Waste Management. As one of the largest Waste Management competitors, they focus on having local professionals manage the business in the communities that they live in. Waste Connections also focuses on providing reliable local service, environmental sustainability, and innovative waste solutions as their core areas of expertise. Additionally, Waste Connections specializes in solid waste collection, transfer, and disposal, focusing on secondary markets. Waste Connections effectively targets secondary and rural markets in the waste management industry.
Waste Connections offers radio-dispatched collection equipment, flexibility to adapt to customer needs, and tailored collection programs. In addition, they’re looking to “connect with the future” by utilizing new technology and improving the environment they live in and serve.
2. Republic Services
Another one of the largest companies like Waste Management is Republic Services. They are the second-largest waste management company in the US and provide solutions for commercial, industrial, municipal, and residential customers. Republic Services operates a broad network of collection and disposal facilities as a significant competitor to Waste Management.
Republic Services is one of the Waste Management alternatives that focus on meeting sustainability requirements. They aim to provide environmentally responsible solutions for their customers’ recycling and solid waste needs. Republic Services aims for net-zero emissions and promotes recycling over landfills whenever possible.
Republic Services is also focusing on eco-friendly solutions, resource management, and waste-to-energy initiatives to further enhance sustainability and efficiency in their operations.
3. GFL (Green For Life Environmental)
Vaughan, Canada
Year founded: 2007
Areas served: US, Canada
Based out of Canada, GFL has grown rapidly to provide sustainable environmental solutions across North America. They offer waste collection, recycling collection, and bulky item collection for homes, as well as more robust service availabilities for businesses.
GFL’s recycling initiatives help reduce reliance on traditional mining for valuable materials by recovering resources from waste streams, which also contributes to lowering pollution through more sustainable waste management practices.
GFL contributes its success to its ability to deliver integrated solutions that third-party companies traditionally handle. With GFL, you can source all your waste management solutions from one efficient company.
4. Casella Waste Systems
While the smallest of the alternatives to Waste Management on our list, Casella Waste Systems has grown rapidly over the past forty years. What started as Vermont’s first-ever recycling facility has grown into a leading waste management provider in the United States. Casella Waste Systems generated $743 million in revenue in 2019. Casella Waste Systems focuses on turning waste into clean energy and has generated significant revenue through this initiative. Covanta specializes in waste-to-energy facilities, converting solid waste into electricity and steam through incineration.
Their business plan is to supplement traditional waste management with expertise in resource renewal and sustainability, a crucial sector of the industry in this day and age. Their unique strategy is to view waste as a way to produce renewable energy and as raw materials for manufacturing.
Casella actively works to minimize reliance on landfills by prioritizing recycling and waste diversion strategies, helping to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills through innovative and eco-friendly solutions.
5. Waste Pro
Longwood, FL
Year founded: 2001
Areas served: Southern US
Waste Pro prides itself on offering flexible and responsive services to its customers, allowing the business to adjust to change easily. This waste management competitor continually invests in new technology and innovation to keep its place as an industry leader.
Waste Pro is also involved in construction projects, including building and maintaining environmental infrastructure and waste treatment facilities.
On top of innovation, another main focus of Waste Pro is safety. By rewarding drivers who maintain pristine safety records, they’ve managed to minimize accidents and injuries and encouraged great relationships between drivers and the communities they serve.
Best Practices
Success in the waste management industry hinges on a commitment to sustainability, customer service, and continuous innovation. Leading companies prioritize reducing waste and maximizing recycling through advanced recycling services and waste reduction technologies. By investing in employee training and development, waste management providers ensure their teams are equipped to deliver exceptional customer service and manage waste materials efficiently.
Transparency and accountability are also essential best practices. Regular reporting and auditing of waste management practices help companies identify areas for improvement, control costs, and maintain compliance with environmental regulations. The integration of technology—such as data analytics and IoT sensors—enables companies to optimize waste collection and disposal processes, resulting in greater efficiency and reduced operational costs.
Adopting zero-waste-to-landfill policies and investing in renewable energy sources are additional strategies that set industry leaders apart. These initiatives not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. By embracing these best practices, waste management companies can enhance customer satisfaction, minimize their environmental impact, and maintain a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving industry.
Time to Switch or Renegotiate Contracts?
Whether you decide to trust Waste Management or one of the Waste Management alternatives for your disposal and recycling services, enlisting the help of a third party like P3 Cost Analysts is the best way to ensure you’re getting the best contract conditions and rates out there.
There are many options out there, and through contract negotiation and waste management bill auditing, P3 often saves our clients 30%–40% on waste and recycling overcharges.
Whether you’re ready to switch providers or simply want an audit to see where you’re spending money unnecessarily, reach out to our experts today.
