Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal and Management Market Report-2030

Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal and Management Market Size and Forecast (2020 - 2030), Global and Regional Share, Trend, and Growth Opportunity Analysis Report Coverage: By Type (Hazardous Waste and Non-Hazardous Waste), Type of Waste (Controlled Prescription Drugs, Non-Controlled Prescription Drugs, and Over-the-Counter Waste), Application (Healthcare Facilities, Pharmacies, Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies, and Others), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South & Central America, and Middle East & Africa)

  • Report Code : TIPRE00019323
  • Category : Pharmaceuticals
  • Status : Data Released
  • No. of Pages : 156
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The pharmaceutical waste disposal and management market is expected to grow from US$ 3,358.49 million in 2022 to US$ 6,377.95 million by 2030; it is anticipated to record a CAGR of 8.3% from 2022 to 2030.

Market Insights and Analyst View:

Pharmaceutical waste includes unused products or medication that has passed the expiry date. This waste may be categorized as hazardous or non-hazardous based on its chemical makeup. The categorization of medicine into pharmaceutical waste is also based on whether it poses a risk to public health or the environment. Pharmaceutical waste also includes leftover materials from their manufacturing processes and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, in addition to prescription drugs left over due to the earlier mentioned reasons. Key factors driving the pharmaceutical waste disposal and management market growth include increasing government initiatives to promote the proper disposal of medical waste and rising awareness regarding pharmaceutical waste. However, the high cost associated with pharmaceutical waste disposal hinders market growth.

Growth Drivers and Restraints:

Large volumes of waste are produced by hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare institutions. Government efforts focused on facilitating the appropriate disposal of medical waste have increased significantly in recent years, as inappropriate management and disposal pose a rising risk to human health and the environment. The expansion of healthcare facilities and an upsurge in the production of medical waste are two major factors contributing to the surged demand for medical waste disposal and management products and services. Several governments have taken steps to control issues associated with medical waste by enacting laws and policies that guarantee a safe and appropriate disposal of medical waste. Medical waste generally needs to be disposed of properly and packaged, transported, treated, and segregated according to these rules. In the US, agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have designed regulations regarding medical waste. Title 49 CFR is a federal regulation focused on medical waste regulations, collection, and disposal processes and 49 CFR 173.197 focuses on regulated medical waste.  

On the other hand, the high cost of the overall disposal process is a key concern for pharmaceutical waste disposal and management businesses, affecting pharmaceutical vendors, healthcare facilities, and waste management service providers. High costs are associated with each step of the disposal process, including appropriate waste packaging, segregation, transportation, treatment, paperwork, and compliance. Additionally, the high costs of disposing of pharmaceutical waste are due to the implementation of specialized protocols, regulatory compliance, and the requirement for sustainable and ethical waste management techniques.  

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Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal and Management Market: Strategic Insights

pharmaceutical-waste-disposal-and-management-market
Market Size Value inUS$ 3,358.49 million in 2022
Market Size Value byUS$ 6,377.95 million by 2030
Growth rateCAGR of 8.3% from 2022 to 2030
Forecast Period2022-2030
Base Year2022
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Report Segmentation and Scope:

The global pharmaceutical waste disposal and management market is segmented on the basis of type, type of waste, and application. Based on type, the pharmaceutical waste disposal and management market is bifurcated into hazardous waste and non-hazardous waste. Based on type of waste, the pharmaceutical waste disposal and management market is differentiated into controlled prescription drugs, non-controlled prescription drugs, and over-the-counter waste. Based on application, the market is segmented into healthcare facilities, pharmacies, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, and others. The pharmaceutical waste disposal and management market, based on geography, is segmented into North America (US, Canada, and Mexico), Europe (Germany, France, Italy, UK, Russia, and Rest of Europe), Asia Pacific (Australia, China, Japan, India, South Korea, and Rest of Asia Pacific), the Middle East & Africa (South Africa, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Rest of Middle East & Africa), and South & Central America (Brazil, Argentina, and Rest of South & Central America).

  • Sample PDF showcases the content structure and the nature of the information with qualitative and quantitative analysis.

Segmental Analysis:

The pharmaceutical waste disposal and management market, by type, is bifurcated into hazardous waste and non-hazardous waste. The non-hazardous waste segment held a larger market share in 2022. However, the hazardous waste segment is anticipated to register a higher CAGR during 2022–2030.

Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal and Management Market, by Type  – 2022 and 2030

pharmaceuticals
Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal and Management Market, by Type  – 2022 and 2030
  • Sample PDF showcases the content structure and the nature of the information with qualitative and quantitative analysis.

The pharmaceutical waste disposal and management market, by type of waste, is segmented into controlled prescription drugs, non-controlled prescription drugs, and over the counter waste. The non-controlled prescription drugs segment held the largest market share in 2022. It is anticipated to register the highest CAGR from 2022 to 2030.

The pharmaceutical waste disposal and management market, by application, is segmented into healthcare facilities, pharmacies, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, and others. In 2022, the pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies segment held the largest market share. The segment is anticipated to register the highest CAGR during 2022–2030.  

Regional Analysis:

Based on geography, the global pharmaceutical waste disposal and management market is segmented into five key regions—North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South & Central America, and the Middle East & Africa. In 2022, North America held the largest share of the market. The market in North America reflects a complex landscape driven by stringent regulations, advanced waste management technologies, and a commitment to environmental stewardship. Legislation such as the US Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) roll out the mandatory protocols for the safe handling and disposal of pharmaceutical waste,  followed by monitoring adherence to the same, which benefits the pharmaceutical waste disposal and management market growth.

Industry Developments and Future Opportunities:

Various initiatives taken by key players operating in the global pharmaceutical waste disposal and management market are listed below:

  1. In November 2023, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd. agreed to collaborate with ORIX Eco Services Corporation as a part of an initiative to recycle blister packaging waste generated in the packaging process for prescription pharmaceuticals manufactured by Sumitomo Pharma.
  2. In May 2023, ORIX Eco Services became the first company in Japan to obtain an industrial waste disposal license for the stripping of blister packaging waste and other materials. Blister packaging is undertaken for the packaging of prescription pharmaceuticals, and the waste generated through this method was previously incinerated.
  3. In April 2022, Stericycle Inc announced its new SafeShield line of high-quality, standardized containers. These antimicrobial medical waste containers are specifically designed to store and transport regulated medical waste (RMW). These containers provide customers with better storage options, and an improved design and additional level of protection to prevent microbial growth on RMW containers. Stericycle previously began rolling out the containers to selected markets in the US after planning a phased national rollout.
  4. In February 2022, Republic Services Inc acquired US Ecology to expand its footprint across the US and Canada. US Ecology is a leading environmental solutions vendor for the treatment; recycling; and disposal of hazardous, non-hazardous, and specialty waste.
  5. In October 2020, Waste Management Inc acquired Advanced Disposal to expand its reach. Moreover, Waste Management planned to utilize Advanced Disposal’s capability to cater to approximately 3 million new commercial, industrial, and residential customers in the US.

Competitive Landscape and Key Companies:

Stericycle Inc, Clean Harbors Inc, WM Intellectual Property Holdings L.L.C, Veolia, BioMedical Waste Solutions LLC, Daniels Sharpsmart Inc, US Ecology Inc, Stryker, Cardinal Health, and MedWaste Management are among the prominent players operating in the pharmaceutical waste disposal and management market. These companies focus on developing existing products and expanding their geographic presence to meet the growing consumer demand worldwide.   

Report Coverage
Report Coverage

Revenue forecast, Company Analysis, Industry landscape, Growth factors, and Trends

Segment Covered
Segment Covered

Type, Type of Waste, Application, and Geography

Regional Scope
Regional Scope

North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, South & Central America

Country Scope
Country Scope

This text is related
to country scope.

Frequently Asked Questions


Which application segment dominates the pharmaceutical waste disposal and management market?

The pharmaceutical waste disposal and management market, by application, is segmented into healthcare facilities, pharmacies, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, and others. In 2022, the pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies segment held the largest market share, and the same segment is anticipated to register the highest CAGR during 2022–2030.

Which type of waste segment dominates the pharmaceutical waste disposal and management market?

The pharmaceutical waste disposal and management market, by type of waste, is segmented into controlled prescription drugs, non-controlled prescription drugs, and over the counter waste. The non-controlled prescription drugs segment held the largest market share in 2022 and the segment is anticipated to register the highest CAGR from 2022 to 2030.

Which type segment dominates the pharmaceutical waste disposal and management market?

The pharmaceutical waste disposal and management market, by type, is bifurcated into hazardous waste and non-hazardous waste. The non-hazardous waste segment held the largest market share in 2022. However, hazardous waste is anticipated to register the higher CAGR during 2022–2030.

What are the growth estimates for the pharmaceutical waste disposal and management market till 2030?

The pharmaceutical waste disposal and management market is expected to be valued at US$ 6,377.95 million in 2030.

What was the estimated pharmaceutical waste disposal and management market size in 2022?

The pharmaceutical waste disposal and management market was valued at US$ 3,358.49 million in 2022.

Who are the major players in the pharmaceutical waste disposal and management market?

The pharmaceutical waste disposal and management market majorly consists of the players, including Stericycle Inc, Clean Harbors Inc, WM Intellectual Property Holdings L.L.C., Veolia, BioMedical Waste Solutions LLC, Daniels Sharpsmart Inc, US Ecology Inc, Stryker, Cardinal Health, and MedWaste Management.

What factors drive the pharmaceutical waste disposal and management market?

Key factors driving the pharmaceutical waste disposal and management market growth are increasing government initiatives for proper disposal of medical waste and rising awareness regarding pharmaceuticals waste.

What is pharmaceutical waste disposal and management?

Pharmaceutical waste refers to the medication that has expired or is unused and remaining that may be categorized as hazardous or non-hazardous based on its chemical makeup. The categorization of medicine into pharmaceutical waste is also based on whether it poses a risk to the public health or environment. Furthermore, pharmaceutical waste includes not just leftover materials from their manufacturing processes and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, but it may also include prescription drugs.

The List of Companies - Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal & Management Market

  1. Stericycle, Inc.
  2. Clean Harbors, Inc
  3. WM Intellectual Property Holdings, L.L.C.
  4. Veolia
  5. BioMedical Waste Solutions, LLC.
  6. Daniels Sharpsmart Inc.
  7. US Ecology, Inc
  8. Stryker
  9. Cardinal Health
  10. MedWaste Management

The Insight Partners performs research in 4 major stages: Data Collection & Secondary Research, Primary Research, Data Analysis and Data Triangulation & Final Review.

  1. Data Collection and Secondary Research:

As a market research and consulting firm operating from a decade, we have published many reports and advised several clients across the globe. First step for any study will start with an assessment of currently available data and insights from existing reports. Further, historical and current market information is collected from Investor Presentations, Annual Reports, SEC Filings, etc., and other information related to company’s performance and market positioning are gathered from Paid Databases (Factiva, Hoovers, and Reuters) and various other publications available in public domain.

Several associations trade associates, technical forums, institutes, societies and organizations are accessed to gain technical as well as market related insights through their publications such as research papers, blogs and press releases related to the studies are referred to get cues about the market. Further, white papers, journals, magazines, and other news articles published in the last 3 years are scrutinized and analyzed to understand the current market trends.

  1. Primary Research:

The primarily interview analysis comprise of data obtained from industry participants interview and answers to survey questions gathered by in-house primary team.

For primary research, interviews are conducted with industry experts/CEOs/Marketing Managers/Sales Managers/VPs/Subject Matter Experts from both demand and supply side to get a 360-degree view of the market. The primary team conducts several interviews based on the complexity of the markets to understand the various market trends and dynamics which makes research more credible and precise.

A typical research interview fulfils the following functions:

  • Provides first-hand information on the market size, market trends, growth trends, competitive landscape, and outlook
  • Validates and strengthens in-house secondary research findings
  • Develops the analysis team’s expertise and market understanding

Primary research involves email interactions and telephone interviews for each market, category, segment, and sub-segment across geographies. The participants who typically take part in such a process include, but are not limited to:

  • Industry participants: VPs, business development managers, market intelligence managers and national sales managers
  • Outside experts: Valuation experts, research analysts and key opinion leaders specializing in the electronics and semiconductor industry.

Below is the breakup of our primary respondents by company, designation, and region:

Research Methodology

Once we receive the confirmation from primary research sources or primary respondents, we finalize the base year market estimation and forecast the data as per the macroeconomic and microeconomic factors assessed during data collection.

  1. Data Analysis:

Once data is validated through both secondary as well as primary respondents, we finalize the market estimations by hypothesis formulation and factor analysis at regional and country level.

  • 3.1 Macro-Economic Factor Analysis:

We analyse macroeconomic indicators such the gross domestic product (GDP), increase in the demand for goods and services across industries, technological advancement, regional economic growth, governmental policies, the influence of COVID-19, PEST analysis, and other aspects. This analysis aids in setting benchmarks for various nations/regions and approximating market splits. Additionally, the general trend of the aforementioned components aid in determining the market's development possibilities.

  • 3.2 Country Level Data:

Various factors that are especially aligned to the country are taken into account to determine the market size for a certain area and country, including the presence of vendors, such as headquarters and offices, the country's GDP, demand patterns, and industry growth. To comprehend the market dynamics for the nation, a number of growth variables, inhibitors, application areas, and current market trends are researched. The aforementioned elements aid in determining the country's overall market's growth potential.

  • 3.3 Company Profile:

The “Table of Contents” is formulated by listing and analyzing more than 25 - 30 companies operating in the market ecosystem across geographies. However, we profile only 10 companies as a standard practice in our syndicate reports. These 10 companies comprise leading, emerging, and regional players. Nonetheless, our analysis is not restricted to the 10 listed companies, we also analyze other companies present in the market to develop a holistic view and understand the prevailing trends. The “Company Profiles” section in the report covers key facts, business description, products & services, financial information, SWOT analysis, and key developments. The financial information presented is extracted from the annual reports and official documents of the publicly listed companies. Upon collecting the information for the sections of respective companies, we verify them via various primary sources and then compile the data in respective company profiles. The company level information helps us in deriving the base number as well as in forecasting the market size.

  • 3.4 Developing Base Number:

Aggregation of sales statistics (2020-2022) and macro-economic factor, and other secondary and primary research insights are utilized to arrive at base number and related market shares for 2022. The data gaps are identified in this step and relevant market data is analyzed, collected from paid primary interviews or databases. On finalizing the base year market size, forecasts are developed on the basis of macro-economic, industry and market growth factors and company level analysis.

  1. Data Triangulation and Final Review:

The market findings and base year market size calculations are validated from supply as well as demand side. Demand side validations are based on macro-economic factor analysis and benchmarks for respective regions and countries. In case of supply side validations, revenues of major companies are estimated (in case not available) based on industry benchmark, approximate number of employees, product portfolio, and primary interviews revenues are gathered. Further revenue from target product/service segment is assessed to avoid overshooting of market statistics. In case of heavy deviations between supply and demand side values, all thes steps are repeated to achieve synchronization.

We follow an iterative model, wherein we share our research findings with Subject Matter Experts (SME’s) and Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) until consensus view of the market is not formulated – this model negates any drastic deviation in the opinions of experts. Only validated and universally acceptable research findings are quoted in our reports.

We have important check points that we use to validate our research findings – which we call – data triangulation, where we validate the information, we generate from secondary sources with primary interviews and then we re-validate with our internal data bases and Subject matter experts. This comprehensive model enables us to deliver high quality, reliable data in shortest possible time.

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