The employment in the waste collection, treatment, and disposal activities, including materials recovery sector in the US, shows a consistent upward trajectory from 2024 to 2028. Starting from 502,000 persons in 2024, it is projected to increase to 516,000 by 2028, reflecting a steady growth. Notably, this represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) across the period.

Year-on-year variations depict a moderate but stable growth, with employment numbers increasing by approximately 0.8% annually.

Future trends to watch for include:

Adopting advanced technologies like AI and IoT for efficient waste management.
Government regulations on recycling and waste disposal cooperation.
Potential labor shortages as the industry grows.
Increased focus on sustainability and circular economy practices driving sector employment.