Download Sample
Schedule a Meeting
Table of Content
NA : +1 804 441 9344
sales@towardsfnb.com
October 2025
The global food waste management market size estimated at USD 77.63 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to increase from USD 81.78 billion in 2025 to nearly USD 132.17 billion by 2034, witnessing a CAGR of 5.44% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. Market is driven by increasing environmental awareness, stringent government regulations, and advancements in waste processing technologies.
| Study Coverage | Details |
| Growth Rate from 2025 to 2034 | CAGR of 5.44% |
| Market Size in 2025 | USD 81.78 Billion |
| Market Size in 2026 | USD 86.18 Billion |
| Market Size by 2034 | USD 132.17 Billion |
| Largest Market | North America |
| Base Year | 2024 |
| Forecast Period | 2025 to 2034 |
| Regions Covered | North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa |
The food waste management market covers the collection, diversion, processing and redistribution of food that would otherwise be discarded. It includes front-of-supply-chain prevention (food rescue/redistribution), on-site reduction solutions (kitchen analytics, waste prevention tools), collection & logistics, biological processing (composting, anaerobic digestion), rendering, thermal conversion, and enabling software & services. The market spans municipal programs, retail & food service solutions, industrial/processing waste management, and value-chain recovery (animal feed, energy, compost, biogas).
Technological changes in the food waste management sector are driving progress in the battle against food waste. Technologies like AI-driven analytics are utilized to forecast food inventory requirements with greater precision, reducing excess buying and surplus production. IoT devices and intelligent bins are increasingly prevalent in commercial kitchens to track waste in real-time, offering information that can assist in minimizing future waste. These technology-based solutions assist companies in reducing expenses while tackling the environmental effects of food waste.
Waste-to-energy projects, such as anaerobic digestion and biogas generation, offer an eco-friendly method to transform food waste into useful materials. This method decreases the amount of waste directed to landfills and generates renewable energy from organic materials. It's a mutually beneficial solution, tackling waste minimization and aiding in the production of clean, sustainable energy. This combined advantage supports environmental preservation and the increasing need for alternative energy options. With ongoing advancements and growing acknowledgment of their economic and environmental benefits, the food waste management market witnesses increased demand.
Intricate waste sorting and inadequate infrastructure present considerable obstacles to the food waste management sector. Although there is increasing recognition of the importance of sustainably managing food waste, effectively putting segregation into practice continues to be a challenge. Food waste can vary greatly, consisting of different organic and inorganic materials, which complicates efficient separation. This makes the sorting and recycling processes more complex and necessitates sophisticated technologies for precise waste identification.
North America Dominated the Food Waste Management Market in 2024.
The factors influencing food waste management in North America consist of harm to food items, excess production, insufficient cold-chain infrastructure, strict food-grading criteria, uniform date labeling practices, and fluctuating consumer demand. The US and Canadian governments have initiated several programs to minimize and handle the increasing food waste being produced. This is anticipated to positively impact the growth of the market in North America. A significant emphasis is placed on sustainable technologies such as anaerobic digestion for energy recovery and creative waste minimization techniques.
Food Waste Management Market in the U.S.
In the U.S., the market is influenced by stringent environmental laws that require proper waste management practices. Federal and state policies mandate adherence to landfill diversion goals, emissions reduction, and sustainable disposal practices, urging industries, food service establishments, and households to implement organized waste management strategies. As per a report from the US EPA in August 2025, the agency oversees solid and hazardous waste from households, industries, and manufacturing through the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. These rules reduce the negative impacts of waste buildup. Investment in technologies such as aerobic and anaerobic digestion, recycling, and waste-to-energy facilitates food waste valorization, resulting in the production of renewable natural gas and organic fertilizers these innovations are promoted by government subsidies and lead to improved resource efficiency and cost reductions.
Asia Pacific Expects the Significant Growth During the Forecast Period.
The need for food waste management in the Asia Pacific region is significantly rising, fueled by swift urbanization, a rising population, heightened environmental awareness, and more stringent government regulations. The food and beverage sector in the Asia-Pacific area is facing a significant problem with food waste, leading to sustainability initiatives like responsible sourcing and minimizing waste. The desire for sustainable practices among consumers is driving companies to reduce their ecological footprint. Governments are also launching initiatives to tackle the issue, such as establishing goals to reduce food waste by fifty percent and creating legislation to combat it. Prominent markets such as China and Japan are at the forefront of embracing these solutions, while India is also demonstrating considerable growth potential.
India Food Waste Management Market: Growth Drivers and Competitive Landscape
The market in India is growing because of rising food waste caused by urbanization, population increase, and changing consumption habits. In India, approximately 70 million tons of food are discarded each year. This represents 45% of all food produced, resulting in an economic loss of approximately 1 lakh crore rupees. Increasing government emphasis on sustainable waste management and the support for decentralized composting and biogas initiatives are encouraging uptake. Government programs such as the Swachh Bharat Mission and Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules require source segregation and composting, while private firms utilize technology-driven solutions, food banks, and creative methods to transform waste into valuable resources like animal feed or fuel.
Why did the Collection & Logistics Segment Dominate the Food Waste Management Market in 2024?
Collection & logistics segment led the food waste management market in 2024, as it represents a critical necessity, being the initial phase of collecting waste from its origin prior to any further processing or treatment. Government mandates and incentives for reducing waste and ensuring proper disposal greatly increase the demand for collection services. Collection and logistics services are crucial for handling waste from various origins, such as homes, eateries, and food production plants, rendering them a universally necessary part of the food waste management sector. Accelerated urban growth and significant food waste production in areas such as food production and distribution require organized and effective collection strategies.
Software & Analytics Segment is Observed to Grow at the Fastest Rate During the Forecast Period.
Since these technologies offer essential data-driven insights to enhance operations, lower expenses, and boost sustainability throughout the complete food supply chain. Through the use of Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), and data analytics, businesses can track food waste, enhance inventory management, organize effective collection routes, and adopt automated techniques for waste reduction, thus increasing their efficiency and profitability. The swift progress in AI, machine learning, and cloud computing offers advanced tools for forecasting waste production, increasing traceability, and boosting processing effectiveness.
How did the Municipalities & Government Programs Segment Dominate the Food Waste Management Market in 2024?
Municipalities & government programs segment held the dominating share of the food waste management market in 2024, owing to its pivotal function in regulating and producing waste. Governments around the globe have been implementing strict, explicit mandates and regulations to minimize food waste. Laws like prohibitions on organic waste disposal in landfills and mandates for composting or recycling foster a demand for waste management technologies and services. Governments support public-private partnerships, essential for expanding innovative solutions in food waste management. Collaborating with companies and non-profits enables them to close financial and logistical divides in the waste management system.
Foodservice/Restaurants & Catering Segment is Seen to Grow at a Notable Rate During the Predicted Timeframe.
Driven by substantial waste production and distinct operational difficulties. A restaurant may produce waste at each step of its operations, ranging from sourcing and preparing to serving and leftover food on plates. As public awareness rises and corporate sustainability efforts expand, restaurants and catering businesses face mounting pressure to lessen their environmental impact. This has created a need for waste management solutions that yield financial returns on investment.
Which Technology Method Segment Held the Largest Share of the Food Waste Management Market in 2024?
Aerobic composting segment dominated the market with the largest share in 2024, because of its affordability, ecological advantages, and the extensive generation of nutrient-dense compost. The method successfully diminishes organic waste in landfills, contributing to climate change mitigation by lowering greenhouse gas emissions. It creates compost high in nutrients that includes vital components such as potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen. Aerobic composting is a straightforward process compared to more intricate methods, resulting in its widespread use at various scales, from home use to industrial applications.
In-situ/On-Site Systems Segment is Expected to Grow at the Fastest Rate in the Market During the Forecast Period.
Driven by its affordability, logistical benefits, and strong connection to sustainability objectives. An on-site processing unit enables businesses to save money by decreasing waste collection frequency, lowering service expenses, removing landfill disposal costs, and producing useful byproducts such as compost or biofuel, which can be utilized or sold. On-site systems offer a decentralized approach that is ideal for city settings.
Which Business Model/Revenue Stream Segment Held the Largest Share of the Food Waste Management Market in 2024?
Municipal contracted services & tipping fees segment held the largest share of the market in 2024, driven by its substantial volume, established infrastructure, and a financial framework that accounts for waste collection and disposal expenses. Local contracts offer a reliable income source for contractors via disposal fees. Tipping charges, which are applied for each ton of waste brought to a landfill or treatment site. This model offers a dependable income source for waste management firms, addressing costs for collection, transport, and processing. This model realizes cost efficiencies that smaller, decentralized models are unable to achieve.
Software-as-a-Service & Analytics Segment is Observed to Grow at the Fastest Rate During the Forecast Period.
Due to its focus on essential industry challenges through scalable, data-informed solutions. The model delivers immediate insights, enhances operations, and presents considerable cost and environmental advantages that manual or solely hardware-based systems cannot achieve. The SaaS model offers significant scalability, making it appealing for multi-location companies, ranging from small restaurant chains to global enterprises.
IKEA
Leanpath
Zomato
By Solution Type / Service Offering
By End User/Generator
By Technology/Processing Method
By Business Model/Revenue Stream
By Region
October 2025
October 2025
October 2025
October 2025
Annual Access, Limitless Research! Unlock all market research reports with our annual subscription. Stay on top of market trends and crucial insights year-round!
2500+
Client Queries in 20235000+
Insights Published40+
Consulting Projects Per Year25+
Analysts