In 2023, the number of enterprises in the UK's waste management sector stood at approximately 6.01 thousand. The forecast from 2024 to 2028 suggests a steady increase in the number of enterprises, with the sector expected to grow from 6.07 thousand enterprises in 2024 to 6.35 thousand by 2028.

The year-on-year growth rate from 2024 to 2025 is projected to be 1.15%, followed by a 1.30% increase from 2025 to 2026. Growth continues with a 1.21% rise from 2026 to 2027 and a similar increase of 0.95% from 2027 to 2028, resulting in a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of approximately 1.09% over five years.

Future trends to watch for:

Technological advancements in recycling and waste management processes, which could spur new enterprise growth.
Increased regulatory measures aimed at sustainability and circular economy goals may impact the sector’s expansion dynamics.
Potential market consolidation trends as larger firms absorb smaller entities to optimize economies of scale.