Medical Waste Containers Market

Medical Waste Containers Market Report By Product Type (Chemotherapy, Biohazard, RCRA, Pharmaceutical, Medical Sharps), By Waste Type (Infectious & Pathological, Non-infectious, Radioactive), By Usage Type, By Medical Waste Generators - Regional Forecast, 2021-2031

Analysis of Medical Waste Containers market covering 30 + countries including analysis of US, Canada, UK, Germany, France, Nordics, GCC countries, Japan, Korea and many more

Medical Waste Containers Market Outlook

The global medical waste containers industry anticipated a positive forecast, expected to reach US$ 36 Bn and expanding 1.8x across the assessment period 2021-2031. As of 2021, the market is slated to reach US$ 20 Bn, with non-infectious waste disposal likely to account for 40% of overall medical waste containers demand.

Market Size Value in 2021 US$ 20 Bn
Projected Market Forecast Value by 2031 US$ 36 Bn
Global Growth Rate (2021 to 2031) 6% CAGR
Most Prominent Market Asia

Demand Analysis of Medical Waste Containers of 2016-2020 Vs Market Outlook for 2021 to 2031

From 2016 to 2020, Fact.MR- a market research & competitive intelligence provider- estimated medical waste container sales to have surged at over 5% CAGR, attributed largely in part due to the increasing expansion of global healthcare infrastructure. As the global patient pool for various ailments increase, establishment of relevant infrastructure, such as hospitals and clinics, have augmented. Hence, the quantity of medical waste has also risen.

Medical waste management is an important global issue. Various organizations, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) are continuously working towards proper management of medical waste. Prospects further widened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as stakeholders increasingly demanded disposable PPE kits, face masks (surgical and daily use), gloves and other apparel.

Besides, a number of non-governmental and community-based organizations are participating in assisting hospitals and other healthcare facilities to recycle, collect, and dispose of medical waste. Bulk of medical waste containers consumption will likely remain concentrated across Asia, expected to capture 1/5th of global demand. In the long-run, from 2021 to 2031, medical waste containers demand will surge at a CAGR of 6%.

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Increased Need for Efficient Medical Waste Management Spurring Waste Containers Uptake?

Demand for medical waste containers is expanding in emerging economies owing to the rising number of hospitals, increasing patient flow, rising number of diagnostic sample testing in the labs, and growing awareness of the benefits of hygienic practices in curbing the spread of infection. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year, about 1 in 25 U.S. hospital patients is diagnosed with at least one infection related to hospital care alone; additional infections occur in other healthcare settings. Many HAIs are caused by the most urgent and serious antibiotic-resistant (AR) bacteria and may lead to sepsis or death.

As per the World Health Organization, out of the total quantity of waste generated, 85% is general, non-hazardous waste. The remaining 15% is classified as toxic, infectious, chemical or radioactive in nature. While open burning and incineration may lead to their effective disposal, they are responsible for emitting dioxins, furans and particulate matter. Therefore, governments are pushing for safer and less environmentally adverse ways of medical waste disposal, impelling sales of medical waste containers. 

Will the Increasing Incidences of Surgery Propel Growth?

The growing number of surgeries globally is also a key factor expected to drive market growth over the forecast period. According to the World Health Organization, every year, many millions of people undergo surgical treatment, and surgical interventions account for an estimated 13% of the world’s total disability-adjusted life years (DALYs).

While surgical procedures are intended to save lives, unsafe surgical care can cause substantial harm. Surgical site infections (SSI) are commonly reported as surgical complications and hospital-acquired infections. SSI might lead to mortality and morbidity, increase reoperation and even readmissions, prolong hospital stay, and elevate costs.

The CDC healthcare-associated infection (HAI) prevalence survey found that there were an estimated 110,800 surgical site infections (SSIs) associated with inpatient surgeries. SSIs can therefore result in increasing the financial burden on the patient. The increasing cases of SSI have increased the usage of medical waste containers.  

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How has COVID-19 Pandemic Contributed towards this Upward Trend?

The coronavirus pandemic has generated an upward trend in the medical waste containers market. The importance of safe, secure, and hazard-free disposal of medical waste has never been more important. As the number of COVID-19 positive patients continues rising, hospitals and clinics are revving up their efforts to maintain a sterile environment in order to prevent the further spread of the virus.

Moreover, the amount of medical waste generated from the patients has been increasing, accelerating the demand for medical waste containers. Additionally, mandatory guidelines issued by governments worldwide for the proper handling and disposal of medical waste have prompted healthcare practitioners to invest more in procuring waste containers.

Prominent market players such as Daniels Health are playing an important role in mitigating the adverse effects of the pandemic. Besides augmenting the production of medical waste containers, Daniels also provides assistance to healthcare providers by issuing guidelines for the collection and disposal of COVID-19 medical waste. Classified as Category-B waste, it does not require special handling and is to be managed in the same manner as for regular waste.

The company, in its guidelines, urges healthcare settings to observe basic precautionary steps which include tying up waste bags, disposal in rigid containers, and proper sealing of dustbin lids. Moreover, Daniels’ staff is observing basic hygiene practices to ensure minimal disruptions in their services. Its supply chain has also been made more robust in order to accelerate waste disposal containers production.

Region-Wise Analysis

How are Stringent RCRA Regulations Stimulating Medical Waste Containers Uptake across North America?

According to Fact.MR, the North American market for medical waste containers is anticipated to expand modestly at a CAGR of 5% during the forecast period. Stringent regulatory requirements for safe disposal of various medical waste categories are expected to steer market growth.

Bulk of medical waste containers adoption across the continent is influenced by the Resource Conservation & Regulatory Act (RCRA). As per this regulation, the U.S Environmental Protection Agency is endowed with the authority to control hazardous wastes from cradle to grave, including generation, transportation, treatment, storage and disposal.

Daniels Health, a notable RCRA-certified medical waste collection provider, has developed an intelligent and affordable system, permitting correct usage quantity, size and type of waste collection. The company deploys a highly sophisticated robotic washline technology, titles Washsmart, which offers a fully automated decanting, washing, sanitizing and drying technologies. 

Improving Medical Waste Management Approaches Widening Prospects Across Asia?

As healthcare infrastructure across key countries change for the better, Asia is making significant strides with regard to efficient medical waste management. As governments enforce stringent regulations to promote ideal disposal approaches, demand for medical waste containers has augmented well in the past few years.

The COVID-19 pandemic has further underscored the need for efficient medical waste disposal and management. As per findings published by the Asian Development Bank, during the outbreak, infectious medical waste increased by 600%, from 40 tons per day to 240 tons per day, across China. Similarly, collective possible production of waste over 60 days totaled to 60,990 tons across the cities of Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and Hanoi.

Hence, numerous regional level manufacturers have come to the fore in the market across the region. For example, Gient, China’s largest professional supplier of medical waste treatment equipment, has helped the Wuhan government to construct a 30-ton daily medical waste treatment plant, with a 45 ton procession productivity capacity with 24 hours of operation. Likewise, India has launched an online application to track COVID biomedical waste and ensure its safe disposal. Hence, the region is set to expand positively at a CAGR of 6.1% throughout the forecast period, contributing 1/5th of the global revenue.

Global medical waste containers market forecast analysis by Fact.MR

Category-wise Insights

Will Non-Infectious & Pharmaceutical Medical Waste Containers Hold Maximum Sway?

The non-infectious medical waste segment is projected to lead the global market during the forecast period. Usage and disposal of medical utilities such as IV bags have received an uptick in recent years. The segment is set to account for more than 2/5th of the overall market.

However, pharmaceutical waste containers shall capture the second-largest market share, amounting to nearly 30% of the global market. High amounts of drug wastage and growing awareness about safe drug disposal are key factors augmenting the growth of the pharmaceutical waste segment.

Why are Chemotherapy Containers High in Demand?

Global cancer cases are on a rise for the past few years. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 70% of deaths from cancer occur in low- and middle-income countries, necessitating the need for chemotherapy in recent years.

Bulk of all chemotherapy waste containers are Resource Conservation & Recovery Act (RCRA) compliant, especially in the U.S. Prominent players, such as Becton Dickinson & Co. and Cardinal Health are the forefront of chemotherapy waste disposal, offering Yellow Chemotherapy Collectors and Chemo Waste Bags respectively. A CAGR worth 5% is anticipated for this segment by Fact.MR.

Will Hospitals Remain Primary Medical Waste Containers End Users?

The hospital segment of the medical waste containers market held more than one-fourth of revenue share in 2020 owing to the increasing cases of chronic wounds and cancer along with the patient flow.

It is estimated that nearly 5,000 acute care hospitals in the U.S generate around 7,000 tons of waste daily. The segment is set to capture more than 40% of the overall medical waste containers revenue during the forecast period.

Know thy Competitors

Competitive landscape highlights only certain players
Complete list available upon request

Competitive Landscape  

Key players involved in the market are rigorously investing in the development and launches of new products to gain a competitive advantage and expand their consumer base. Mergers & acquisitions along with diversification of product portfolios are key business strategies implemented by participants in the industry.

  • For instance, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. offers the NalgeneTM Biohazardous Waste Containers, which feature a convenient one-step sterilization, involving no need to remove the bag. A port opening in the cover allows for one-handed disposal of materials, limiting exposure to infectious waste. The containers hold standard sized autoclave bags
  • Likewise, EnviroTain LLC offers medical waste containers for biohazardous, chemotherapy, pharmaceutical, RCRA and sharps containers respectively. The company has partnered with leading distributors, including Mauser Packaging, the National Waste & Recycling Association and the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)  

Report Scope 

Report Attribute Details
Forecast Period 2021-2031
Historical Data Available for 2016-2020
Market Analysis Value (US$ Mn) 
Key Regions Covered
  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Europe
  • East Asia
  • South Asia
  • Oceania
  • Middle East & Africa
Key Countries Covered
  • U.S.
  • Canada
  • Germany
  • U.K.
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Russia
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • GCC
  • Israel
  • South Africa
Key Market Segments Covered
  • Product
  • Waste
  • Usage
  • Medical Waste Generators
  • Region
Key Companies Profiled
  • Henry Schein Inc.
  • Becton Dickinson & Company (BD)
  • Medtronic Plc.
  • Daniels Health
  • Bemis Manufacturing Company
  • Bondtech Corporation
  • Terra Universal Inc.
  • Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
  • EnviroTain LLC
  • Mauser Packaging Solutions
  • Sharps Compliance Inc.
Pricing Available upon Request

Key Segments Covered

  • Product Type

    • Chemotherapy Medical Waste Containers
    • Biohazard Medical Waste Containers
    • RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act) Medical Waste Containers
    • Pharmaceutical Waste Containers
    • Medical Sharps Waste Containers
      • Patient Room Sharps Containers
      • Phlebotomy Sharps Containers
      • Multipurpose Sharps Containers
  • Waste Type

    • Infectious & Pathological Waste
    • Non-infectious Waste
    • Radioactive Waste
    • Sharps Waste
    • Pharmaceutical Waste
  • Usage Type

    • Disposable Medical Waste Containers
    • Reusable Medical Waste Containers
  • Medical Waste Generators

    • Hospitals
    • Clinics & Physicians’ Offices
    • Pharmaceutical Companies
    • Long Term Care & Urgent Care Centers
    • Pharmacies
    • Other Generators

- FAQs -

How much is the global medical waste containers market worth?

By 2021, Fact.MR forecasts the market for medical waste containers to reach US$ 20 Bn

What is the projected growth rate for the global market for medical waste containers?

From 2021 to 2031, Fact.MR expects medical waste containers demand to expand at a CAGR of 6%

What is the projected market value of medical waste containers? 

According to Fact.MR, by 2031, medical waste containers value will reach US$ 36 Bn

What was the last 5 years market CAGR for medical waste containers?

From 2016-2020, sales of medical waste containers expanded at over 5% CAGR

What is currently driving demand for medical waste containers?

Increasing awareness of health and hygiene in hospitals is projected to offer significant growth opportunities for sales in the market.

Which are the top companies manufacturing medical waste containers?

The dominant market players are Covidien plc (Medtronic), Daniels Health, and Sharps Compliance. 

Which type of waste containers are expected to be most demanded?

Non-infectious medical waste containers shall remain most demanded, accounting for 40% revenue

What is the North American market outlook?

North America is poised to surge at a CAGR of 5% across the 2021-2031 forecast period

How lucrative are growth prospects across Asia?

Asia is likely to be the fastest expanding region, surging at a CAGR of 6.1% until 2031

Medical Waste Containers Market

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