U.S. Food Waste Management Market Outlook

Valued at USD 17.76 billion in 2024, the U.S. food waste management market is projected to reach USD 18.70 billion in 2025 and USD 30.01 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 5.40% during the forecast period 2025–2034. Key players include Casella Waste Systems, Inc.; Covanta Ltd. (Covanta Holding Corporation); Divert, Inc.; Hulsey Environmental Services; Organix Recycling; Recycle Track Systems (RTS); Republic Services, Inc.; Rumpke; Shapiro Enterprises (Skip Shapiro Enterprises); Suez North America; Veolia North America; and Waste Management, Inc. (WM).

Food Waste Awareness Drives Demand

Rising food waste awareness is a central driver. A U.S. FDA report from January 2025 estimates that 30 to 40% of the U.S. food supply is wasted each year. Figures of this scale draw attention from businesses, communities, and policymakers, increasing interest in collection, recycling, and recovery solutions. As awareness grows, organizations face greater expectations to measure and reduce the food they discard.

Composting and Public Funding

Public funding supports organic waste diversion. The USDA committed USD 10.2 million in 2022 to pilot food waste reduction and composting projects. Composting is one of the practical pathways for returning organic material to productive use, and government pilots can help demonstrate viable models for wider adoption by municipalities and commercial operators.

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Renewable Natural Gas and Revenue from Converted Waste

The report identifies demand for renewable natural gas and organic fertilizers as an opportunity, since converted waste can generate revenue. In 2024, the U.S. Department of Energy and NREL selected 20 communities for the Waste-to-Energy Technical Assistance Program, supporting energy recovery efforts. In July 2025, Divert, Inc. partnered with United States Cold Storage on a recycling program that converts unsold food and beverage products into renewable energy and soil amendments.

Foodservice and Smart Waste Technologies

Technology is also improving how operators track and reduce waste. In April 2025, Leanpath launched an AI-powered mobile reporting app for foodservice that provides food waste data and reduction recommendations. Tools of this type help kitchens and food businesses understand what they discard and where to act. However, the report notes that the high upfront and operating costs of advanced facilities, as well as AI and smart waste technologies, can limit adoption.

Regulatory Environment

Regulation also shapes the market. The report cites an August 2025 EPA report on the regulation of solid and hazardous waste under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, indicating the importance of compliance for operators handling waste streams. Companies must ensure operations align with federal frameworks while pursuing recovery opportunities.

Competitive Landscape and Segment Context

Participants include Casella Waste Systems, Covanta, Divert, Hulsey Environmental Services, Organix Recycling, Recycle Track Systems, Republic Services, Rumpke, Shapiro Enterprises, Suez North America, Veolia North America, and Waste Management. The report segments the market by waste type, process, source, and application. Fruits and vegetables held a 39.83% revenue share by waste type in 2024, municipalities and households held 37.47% by source, and both the anaerobic process and fertilizer application segments are projected to grow at a 5.7% CAGR, giving operators clear reference points for investment decisions.

Operational Considerations

Operators and food businesses must weigh measurement and recovery investments against their costs. Digital tools can provide the data needed to reduce waste at the source, while composting and energy conversion address material that cannot be avoided. Public programs, including the USDA pilot funding and the Department of Energy and NREL program, can help reduce risk for early adopters, and regulatory compliance remains a baseline requirement for operators.

Strategic Outlook

For B2B stakeholders, a 5.40% CAGR indicates dependable growth. Providers that connect awareness-driven demand with cost-effective processing, such as composting and conversion to renewable energy, and that adopt measurement tools for foodservice customers are well positioned in the U.S. food waste management market through 2034.

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