SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): This year saw a number of developments and investments in the garbage and recycling sector. The year saw a number of noteworthy mergers and acquisitions (M&A) as well as significant recycling infrastructure upgrades by businesses.

Approximately 525,000 workers were employed in waste management and remediation services in November of this year, up nearly 20,000 from the same month last year, according to data just released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS classified collectors of recyclables and refuse as the fourth most fatal occupation.

The “waste collection” producer price index recorded an increase of 5% between November 2023 and 2024.

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So far this year, there have been 140 M&A deals involving solid waste and environmental services companies in the United States and Canada. Through the third quarter of 2024, the top five publicly traded solid waste firms spent $3.58 billion. The $7.2 billion purchase of Stericycle by WM, which finalized in November 2024, was the largest transaction to date this year.

According to the BLS study, the largest program in the country is the City of New York's residential curbside organics collection program, which serves approximately 8 million residents.