Report Overview

United States Waste to Energy (WtE) Market – Industry Trends & Forecast Report, 2031

United States Waste to Energy (WtE) Market size was estimated at USD 7.04 billion in 2024. During the forecast period between 2025 and 2031, United States Waste to Energy (WtE) Market size is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.95% reaching a value of USD 9.23 billion by 2031. Prominent drivers of the market include the increasing need for sustainable waste management, rising waste generation, and the shift toward renewable energy sources. Waste to energy (WtE) technologies help reduce landfill dependency while generating clean energy, supporting sustainability and economic growth. Additionally, stringent environmental regulations and growing public awareness of renewable energy further boost market expansion. However, challenges such as high capital investment, increasing waste recycling rates, and the need for comprehensive WtE policies hinder growth. Despite these constraints, technological advancements, including improved gasification and incineration methods, are enhancing efficiency and economic viability. Recent innovations, such as advanced reactor designs and catalysts, have improved energy recovery and reduced operational costs, making WtE a more attractive solution. For instance, in December 2023, Tecno Energy Group LLC highlighted that 85% of municipal solid waste in the United States could be incinerated for electricity generation. The widely used mass-burning system significantly reduces waste volume while providing a stable energy source. With growing energy demand and strict environmental policies, WtE facilities are positioned as key contributors to sustainable energy and waste management solutions.

Waste to Energy (WtE) – Overview

Waste to energy (WtE) is the process of generating energy in the form of electricity or heat from the treatment of waste materials. It involves converting municipal solid waste (MSW), industrial waste, and other forms of refuse into usable energy through methods such as incineration, gasification, pyrolysis, and anaerobic digestion. WtE serves as an alternative to landfilling by reducing waste volume while producing renewable energy, contributing to sustainable waste management and environmental conservation.

United States Waste to Energy (WtE) Market

Growth Drivers

Rising Focus on Complying with Stringent Environmental Regulations

The growing emphasis on environmental sustainability and stringent regulations in the United States is significantly driving the Waste to Energy (WtE) Market. With increasing concerns over waste management and greenhouse gas emissions, WtE technologies are playing a crucial role in mitigating landfill dependency while generating renewable energy. Regulatory frameworks at both federal and state levels encourage investments in WtE solutions to reduce carbon footprints and promote cleaner energy alternatives. For instance, the United States Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) and Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) announced up to USD 17.5 million in funding to support Waste to energy projects, particularly focusing on converting organic waste into clean transportation fuels. Similarly, in November 2024, Lincoln, Nebraska, signed a contract with Sparq Renewables to construct a biogas facility at the Bluff Road Landfill, converting methane into renewable natural gas (RNG). This USD 50 million initiative aligns with Lincoln’s Climate Action Plan and is projected to generate over USD 96 million in revenue within 20 years while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, advancements in WtE technologies, such as modern gasification processes and improved incineration techniques, enhance energy recovery efficiency and reduce environmental impact. The rising adoption of such solutions, coupled with financial incentives and policy support, reinforces the role of environmental regulations in shaping the WtE market. As the demand for sustainable waste management intensifies, regulatory initiatives will continue to drive the expansion of WtE facilities, ensuring a cleaner and more energy-efficient future for the United States.

Challenges

High Initial Investments

United States Waste to Energy (WtE) Market faces significant growth constraints due to the high initial investments required for establishing WtE facilities. Developing advanced incineration, gasification, and anaerobic digestion plants involves substantial capital costs, including infrastructure, technology integration, and compliance with stringent environmental regulations. Constructing a modern WtE facility can cost hundreds of millions of dollars, making it financially challenging for municipalities and private investors. Additionally, long payback periods and the need for continuous government incentives further hinder market expansion. Despite the benefits of WtE solutions, high upfront costs remain a key barrier to widespread adoption.

Impact of Escalating Geopolitical Tensions on United States Waste to Energy (WtE) Market

Escalating geopolitical tensions could significantly impact the growth of United States Waste to Energy (WtE) Market. Disruptions in global supply chains may lead to increased costs for critical equipment, construction materials, and advanced technologies required for WtE facilities. Trade restrictions and sanctions could limit access to essential components, delaying project developments. Additionally, economic instability resulting from geopolitical conflicts may reduce government funding and private investments in renewable energy projects. Fluctuations in energy prices and policy uncertainties may also affect long-term WtE adoption. These challenges could hinder market expansion, making it crucial for stakeholders to develop resilient and adaptive strategies.

United States Waste to Energy (WtE) Market

Segmental Coverage

United States Waste to Energy (WtE) Market – By Technology

Based on technology, United States Waste to Energy (WtE) Market is divided into Thermal, Biological, and Physical segments. The thermal segment holds the highest share in United States Waste to Energy (WtE) Market by technology, primarily due to its efficiency in reducing waste volume while generating energy. It helps address landfill limitations and manages non-recyclable waste effectively, aligning with sustainability goals and circular economy initiatives. Advancements in research and development have further improved its energy recovery and operational efficiency, solidifying its market dominance. Incineration remains the most widely used waste to energy technology for processing municipal solid waste, with cogeneration systems achieving efficiencies of up to 80%. However, emissions from incineration have raised environmental and health concerns. In response, plant operators have implemented advanced flue gas cleaning technologies, significantly enhancing environmental sustainability. In 2021, the United States consumed approximately 431 trillion British thermal units of energy derived from waste. Additionally, companies like Covanta Holding Corporation are leveraging thermal technology to generate electricity, powering thousands of homes. Given these factors and ongoing developments, thermal-based waste to energy solutions are expected to maintain their dominant position in the market.

United States Waste to Energy (WtE) Market – By Waste Type

On the basis of waste type, United States Waste to Energy (WtE) Market is divided into Municipal Solid Waste, Industrial Waste, Agricultural Waste, and Hazardous Waste segments. Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), commonly referred to as household and commercial waste, dominates United States Waste to energy (WtE) Market by waste type. WtE plants incinerate MSW to generate steam, which powers turbines to produce electricity. Despite efforts to increase recycling and composting, significant amounts of MSW still end up in landfills, contributing to environmental issues such as methane emissions and groundwater contamination. To mitigate these challenges, advanced WtE technologies—including mass burn incineration, refuse-derived fuel, pyrolysis, and thermal gasification—are being utilized to convert MSW into a valuable energy source. The United States Department of Energy (DOE) has identified research and development opportunities to enhance the economic feasibility of WtE facilities, including improving waste preprocessing, emissions control, and energy conversion efficiency. With MSW accounting for a major share of Waste to energy generation in the United States, ongoing advancements in WtE infrastructure and policy-driven waste management strategies are expected to drive further market growth. The transition toward sustainable waste management solutions underscores the role of MSW in shaping the future of United States Waste to Energy (WtE) Market.

United States Waste to Energy (WtE) Market – By Application

United States Waste to Energy (WtE) Market by application is divided into Electricity Generation, Heat Productions, and Biofuel Production segments.  

Competitive Landscape

Major players operating in United States Waste to Energy (WtE) Market include Wheelabrator Technologies Inc., Waste Management Holdings Inc., Covanta Holding Corp, Reworld Holding Corporation, VLS Environmental Solutions LLC, Hitachi Zosen Inova AG, Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises Inc., Suez SA, and Martin GmbH. To further enhance their market share, these companies employ various strategies, including mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, joint ventures, license agreements, and new product launches.

Recent Developments

• In December 2024 - Waste Energy Corp restructured its leadership to align with the company’s new focus on converting plastic waste into clean energy through Pyrolysis. positioning it for growth in the sustainable energy sector.

Scope of the Report

By Technology

• Thermal

• Biological

• Physical

By Waste Type

• Municipal Solid Waste

• Industrial Waste

• Agricultural Waste

• Hazardous Waste

By Application

• Electricity Generation

• Heat Productions

• Biofuel Production

1. Research Framework
   1. Research Objective
   2. Product Overview
   3. Market Segmentation
2. Executive Summary
3. United States Waste to Energy (WtE) Market Insights
   1. Industry Value Chain Analysis
   2. DROC Analysis
      1. Growth Drivers
         1. Increasing Waste Generation
         2. Rising Environmental Regulations
         3. Energy Security and Sustainability
      2. Restraints
         1. High Initial Investment
      3. Opportunities
         1. Circular Economy Initiatives
         2. Government Incentives
      4. Challenges
         1. Competition from Other Renewable
         2. Regulatory Uncertainties
   3. Technological Advancements/Recent Developments
   4. Regulatory Framework
   5. Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
      1. Bargaining Power of Suppliers
      2. Bargaining Power of Buyers
      3. Threat of New Entrants
      4. Threat of Substitutes
      5. Intensity of Rivalry
4. United States Waste to Energy (WtE) Market: Marketing Strategies
5. United States Waste to Energy (WtE) Market: Pricing Analysis
6. United States Waste to Energy (WtE) Market Overview
   1. Market Size & Forecast, 2019–2031
      1. By Value (USD Million)
   2. Market Share & Forecast
      1. By Technology
         1. Thermal
         2. Biological
         3. Physical
      2. By Waste Type
         1. Municipal Solid Waste
         2. Industrial Waste
         3. Agricultural Waste
         4. Hazardous Waste
      3. By Application
         1. Electricity Generation
         2. Heat Productions
         3. Biofuel Production
7. Competitive Landscape
   1. List of Key Players and Their End Users
   2. United States Waste to Energy (WtE) Company Market Share Analysis, 2024
   3. Competitive Benchmarking, By Oping Parameters
   4. Key Strategic Development (Mergers, Acquisitions, Partnerships)
8. Impact of Escalating Geopolitical Tensions on United States Waste to Energy (WtE) Market
9. Company Profiles (Company Overview, Financial Matrix, Competitive landscape, Key Personnel, Key Competitors, Contact Address, Strategic Outlook, SWOT Analysis)
   1. Wheelabrator Technologies Inc.
   2. Waste Management Holdings, Inc.
   3. Covanta Holding Corp
   4. Reworld Holding Corporation
   5. VLS Environmental Solutions, LLC
   6. Hitachi Zosen Inova AG
   7. Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises, Inc.
   8. Suez SA
   9. Martin GmbH
   10. Other Prominent Players
10. Key Strategic Recommendations
11. Research Methodology
    1. Qualitative Research
       1. Primary & Secondary Research
    2. Quantitative Research
    3. Market Breakdown & Data Triangulation
       1. Secondary Research
       2. Primary Research
    4. Breakdown of Primary Research Respondents
    5. Assumption & Limitation

*Financial information of non-listed companies will be provided as per availability

**The segmentation and the companies are subjected to modifications based on in-depth secondary for the final deliverable

List of Figures

Figure 1   United States Waste to Energy (WtE) Market Segmentation

Figure 2   United States Waste to Energy (WtE) Market Value Chain Analysis

Figure 3   Company Market Share Analysis, 2024

Figure 4   United States Waste to Energy (WtE) Market Size, By Value (USD Million), 2019–2031

Figure 5   United States Waste to Energy (WtE) Market Share, By Technology, By Value (USD Million) 2019–2031

Figure 6   United States Waste to Energy (WtE) Market Share, By Waste Type, By Value (USD Million) 2019–2031

Figure 7   United States Waste to Energy (WtE) Market Share, By Application, By Value (USD Million) 2019–2031

List of Tables

Table 1      United States Waste to Energy (WtE) Market Share, By Technology, By Value (USD Million) 2019–2031

Table 2      United States Waste to Energy (WtE) Market Share, By Waste Type, By Value (USD Million) 2019–2031

Table 3      United States Waste to Energy (WtE) Market Share, By Application, By Value (USD Million) 2019–2031

 Table 4     Wheelabrator Technologies Inc. Company Overview

Table 5      Wheelabrator Technologies Inc. Financial Overview

Table 6      Waste Management Holdings, Inc. Company Overview

Table 7      Waste Management Holdings, Inc. Financial Overview

Table 8      Covanta Holding Corp Company Overview

Table 9      Covanta Holding Corp Financial Overview

Table 10    Reworld Holding Corporation Company Overview

Table 11    Reworld Holding Corporation Financial Overview

Table 12    VLS Environmental Solutions, LLC Company Overview

Table 13    VLS Environmental Solutions, LLC Financial Overview

Table 14    Hitachi Zosen Inova AG Company Overview

Table 15    Hitachi Zosen Inova AG Financial Overview

Table 16    Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises, Inc. Company Overview

Table 17    Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises, Inc. Financial Overview

Table 18    Suez SA Company Overview

Table 19    Suez SA Financial Overview

Table 20    Martin GmbH Company Overview

Table 21    Martin GmbH Financial Overview