Hazardous Waste Services Industry Profile

Companies in this industry operate hazardous waste treatment and disposal facilities, including combustors, incinerators, and landfills. Major companies include Clean Harbors, EnergySolutions, and Stericycle (all based in the US), as well as Augean (UK) and Séché Environnement (France).

Worldwide, about 400 million tons of hazardous waste are collected each year, according to estimates from the United Nations Environment Programme and the Secretariat of the Basel Convention. Hazardous waste collection is expected to grow as global populations expand and generation of industrial waste increases.

The US hazardous waste services industry includes about 900 establishments (single-location companies and units of multi-location companies) with combined annual revenue of about $9 billion.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Demand is driven by the volume of hazardous waste generated and by the needs of individuals, businesses, and government agencies to comply with hazardous waste disposal laws. The profitability of individual companies depends on efficient operations and the ability to secure major contracts. Large companies have economies of scale in buying equipment and establishing treatment facility networks. Small companies can compete by serving local markets or offering specialized services. The US industry is highly concentrated: the 50 largest companies account for about 90% of revenue.

PRODUCTS, OPERATIONS & TECHNOLOGY

Treatment of hazardous waste, including radioactive materials, accounts for about 60% of US industry revenue. Other services include hazardous waste disposal (20%) and storage (10%). Some companies also collect and transport hazardous waste.

Hazardous wastes are materials ...