Waste Industry Resiliency and Market Trends Report

This report provides an overview of the current state of the U.S. solid waste industry as of March 2026. It outlines the industry's resilience in the face of macroeconomic challenges, including inflationary pressures affecting core operating functions. The report details how operators are investing in advanced technologies to mitigate rising costs associated with labor, insurance, and equipment. It also discusses the shift in focus among scaled operators towards profitability over volume, emphasizing disciplined pricing strategies and the shedding of less profitable contracts. The report presents insights into ongoing mergers and acquisitions activity, noting that strategic players are increasingly active in diversifying revenue streams through recycling and specialized waste initiatives. Additionally, it highlights the steady waste collection volumes, particularly in high-growth regions, and the impact of government funding on infrastructure investments. Key performance metrics and trends in EBITDA growth and free cash flow conversion are also documented.