Hazardous Waste Management Shortfalls Could Cost US Economy $82B by 2033
Event summary
- A Charles River Associates report commissioned by Veolia forecasts a 1-3% shortfall in hazardous waste management capacity could reduce US economic output by $27B-$82B by 2033.
- US generates 30M tons of hazardous waste annually, projected to increase by 5M tons by 2033 due to industrial reshoring and strategic sector growth.
- Veolia operates 100+ service centers and 33 treatment facilities in the US after acquiring Clean Earth in June 2026.
- Report highlights hazardous waste management's role in food production, agriculture, and life-saving medicine manufacturing.
The big picture
The report underscores hazardous waste management as a critical but often overlooked economic input, particularly as industrial reshoring and strategic sector growth accelerate. Veolia's position as the US's second-largest hazardous waste manager puts it at the center of this infrastructure challenge. The findings suggest potential economic risks if capacity doesn't keep pace with industrial expansion, creating opportunities for environmental services providers.
What we're watching
- Infrastructure Investment
- How federal and state funding will address projected hazardous waste management capacity gaps.
- Regulatory Compliance
- Whether emerging sectors like semiconductors and batteries will face stricter waste management regulations.
- Market Consolidation
- The pace at which Veolia and competitors expand capacity through acquisitions and facility development.
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