U.S. Food Waste Management Market Size, Share, & Industry Analysis Report By Waste Type (Cereals, Dairy Products, Fruits & Vegetables), By Process, By Source, and By Application – Market Forecast, 2025–2034

The U.S. food waste management market size is expected to reach USD 30.01 billion by 2034, according to a new study by Polaris Market Research. The report “U.S. Food Waste Management Market Share, Size, Trends, Industry Analysis Report: By Waste Type (Cereals, Dairy Products, Fruits & Vegetables), By Process, By Source, and By Application; Market Forecast, 2025–2034” gives a detailed insight into current market dynamics and provides analysis on future market growth.

Food waste management is the technique of converting discarded food materials into valuable resources through structured recovery, recycling, and treatment processes. The U.S. food waste management market is driven by the rising focus on circular economy models, where waste is repurposed into inputs for new production cycles rather than being discarded. This transition reflects a broader push to reduce environmental footprints, enhance resource efficiency, and minimize landfill dependency. The circular economy approach addresses sustainability concerns and also generates economic opportunities across industries by promoting the reuse of organic waste in applications such as composting and bioenergy.

The market is further driven by the growing integration of advanced digital and automation technologies into waste management systems. Smart collection methods, AI-driven monitoring, and data analytics tools are being increasingly adopted to improve efficiency, reduce operational costs, and ensure traceability of food waste streams. These advancements are enabling stakeholders to streamline processes, optimize resource recovery, and comply more effectively with sustainability standards. Together, the combination of circular economy principles and technological innovation is transforming food waste management into a more strategic, value-driven practice in the U.S., aligning environmental responsibility with economic viability.

U.S. Food Waste Management Market Report Highlights

In terms of waste type, fruits and vegetables segment held a 39.83% revenue share in 2024, driven by its high perishability and substantial contribution to overall organic waste volumes.

Based on process, the anaerobic digestion segment is projected to grow at a 5.7% CAGR, favored for its dual ability to manage waste and produce renewable biogas.

In terms of source, the municipalities and households segment accounted for a 37.47% revenue share, representing the largest source of food waste generation in the country.

Based on application, the fertilizers segment is anticipated to grow at a 5.7% CAGR, supported by rising demand for nutrient-rich organic soil amendments in agriculture.

A few key market players include Casella Waste Systems, Inc.; Covanta Ltd.; Divert, Inc.; Hulsey Environmental Services; Organix Recycling; Recycle Track Systems; Republic Services, Inc.; Rumpke; Shapiro Enterprises; Suez North America; Veolia North America; and Waste Management, Inc.

Polaris Market Research has segmented the market report on the basis of waste type, process, source, application:

By Waste Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2020–2034)

Cereals

Dairy products

Fruits & Vegetables

Meat, Fish, & Seafood

Processed Food

Other Waste Types

By Process Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2020–2034)

Anaerobic

Aerobic

Combustion/Incineration

Other Processes

By Source Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2020–2034)

Primary Food Producers

Food Manufacturers

Food Distributors & Suppliers

Food Service Providers

Municipalities & Households

By Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2020–2034)

Animal Feed

Fertilizers

Biofuel

Power Generation Show more