InvestFrost EBT - European Hazardous Waste Management Services Market

Newer Methods of Waste Management Stir up Investment Opportunities in the European Hazardous Waste Management Services Market

While waste disposal is the most prevalent method of waste management, it is also the least preferred due to the significant environment hazard it poses. So far, disposed wastes are being managed using landfills or incinerated. These current methods have several failings such as unwanted gases or smoke, which provide ample opportunities for alternate practices that aid the reuse and recycling of waste. With the deadline for the Landfill Directive targets being 2007, this system of waste management is expected to soon become dated, and open up numerous opportunities for the reuse and recycling segments. The hike in landfills tax by many developed countries is also likely to encourage reuse and recycling. Moreover, the European Waste Catalogue has been expanded to include several types of hazardous waste, widening the scope of the hazardous waste management services market. Out of the 850.0 million tons of waste produced in Europe in 2007, hazardous waste accounted for nearly 65.0 million tons in 2007 and is expected to reach 70.0 million tons by 2012. Even though hazardous waste represents only a minor portion of the total waste generated, its toxicity, the technical/infrastructure expertise needed, and its environment impact have made it a huge cause of concern, says the analyst of this research. Most European countries have government agencies that take care of hazardous waste-related issues such as the development and implementation of policies related to hazardous waste. However, for all the governments' efforts, the market will still be affected by the global economic downturn. The recycling segment is likely to be the worst affected because of the significant capital costs involved. The market will also have to deal with issues such as increasing illegal waste dumping. Market participants can combat some of the industry challenges and make a push for greater investments through innovative waste management solutions that can reduce costs and thereby, control illegal dumping of waste. The difficult economic environment and tighter margins have forced market participants to rethink their exposure to business segments within the market and make suitable changes. They may also look to alter their market positioning; for instance, large waste generators prefer companies that offer services in all segments of the market because of the perceived cost savings. Mergers and acquisitions have been the key strategy of multinationals to gain entry into the market, notes the analyst. The competitive factors of the market are pricing, technical expertise, infrastructure, and a reputation as a complete solution provider.

Market Sectors

Expert Frost & Sullivan analysts thoroughly examine the following market sectors in this research:

• Waste collection
• Thermal treatment
• Other treatment
• Landfill
• Reuse/Recycling