Waste Management Sector

Industry employment is approximately 34,000 in 1,760 enterprises (mainly small to medium businesses).  This is a very competitive industry where closely controlled costs are vital to profitability.

The waste management industry could experience slower growth in 2011 than previously as the amount of waste generated by industry and the construction sector declines. There are also lower recyclable commodity prices which impact negatively on this sector. But investment in new recycling and alternate waste treatment facilities that convert waste gases to energy should generate new demand as reducing, recycling and recovering waste are major government and industry policies.

Attention to the best practice options for waste management includes much more than just disposal. The industry provides management advice, collection, disposal and recycling of waste including municipal solid waste, commercial and industrial waste, and construction and demolition waste. Demand for recycling and recovery of waste continues to grow with State and local government expansion of waste diversion targets.