A new independent study by Charles River Associates (CRA), commissioned by Veolia, highlights the critical role of hazardous waste management in the U.S. economy. As the United States accelerates industrial development, the study finds that a treatment capacity shortfall of just 1% could reduce projected economic output by $27 billion by 2033.
KEY FIGURES
million tons of hazardous waste are generated each year in the United States.
million tons per year of additional hazardous waste could be generated by 2033.
billion in economic output potentially at risk in the event of a 1% capacity shortfall.
billion in economic output potentially at risk in the event of a 3% capacity shortfall.
A Critical Link in the U.S. Economy
Hazardous waste management is often viewed as an end-of-pipe activity. Yet it is an essential link in many economic activities. Agriculture, food production, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and emerging technologies: numerous industries generate hazardous waste or rely on value chains that do.
According to the Charles River Associates study, a treatment capacity shortfall of just 1% could reduce projected economic output in the United States by $27 billion by 2033. With a 3% shortfall, the impact could reach $82 billion.
“Hazardous waste management plays a far greater role in our economies than many people realize. This analysis helps shed light on the importance of that role and underscores why access to expert, state-of-the-art and reliable waste management capacity is essential to strengthening economic stability and resilience.”
Estelle Brachlianoff, Chief Executive Officer of Veolia.
Supporting the Next Wave of Industrial Growth
Demand is expected to increase further in the coming years: according to CRA, the United States could generate an additional 5 million tons of hazardous waste per year by 2033, driven in part by the reshoring and expansion of manufacturing and the growth of strategic industries such as semiconductors and batteries.
This growth raises a major challenge: waste management capacity must be able to expand at the same pace as production capacity.
Anticipating these needs helps secure industrial supply chains while managing risks to human health and the environment.
Protecting Communities and Preserving Resources
Beyond their economic importance, hazardous waste treatment and management serve a critical environmental and public health purpose: preventing pollution, protecting communities and, where possible, recovering valuable resources.
“Proper treatment and disposal of hazardous waste help protect public health while supporting economic development. During National Pollution Prevention Week, we are especially proud to highlight the role we play in protecting people and the planet through treatment processes that recover valuable resources while preventing pollution from entering the environment.”
Bob Cappadona, Chief Executive Officer, Hazardous Waste in the United-States, Veolia.
As industrial waste streams become increasingly complex, Veolia is developing specialized solutions such as BeyondPFAS to help customers manage waste containing persistent substances.
Veolia Expands Its U.S. Capabilities
With the acquisition of Clean Earth, completed in June 2026, Veolia has become the second-largest player in the U.S. hazardous waste management market.
Its U.S. operations now include:
100+ service centers
33 treatment, storage and disposal facilities
6 high-temperature incineration units
700+ operating permits
5,500 employees
This footprint enables the Group to support industrial customers in regions where demand is expected to grow, particularly in Arkansas, Texas, Arizona, New Jersey and California.
Anticipating Tomorrow’s Needs to Support Growth
L’étude de CRA met en évidence une réalité essentielle : la gestion des déchets dangereux est une composante de The CRA study highlights a fundamental reality: hazardous waste management is a component of U.S. industrial infrastructure.
As the United States invests in expanding its production capacity, having the infrastructure and technologies needed to manage the resulting waste will be critical to supporting sustainable growth.
For Veolia, the priority is clear: anticipate future needs, expand capacity and develop solutions that protect the environment while contributing to the resilience of U.S. industry.
About the Study
Read the full Hazardous Waste Management: A Hidden Input to US Economic Growth (2026, author Alan Jaske), conducted by Charles River Associates (CRA) on behalf of Veolia.