The world faces unprecedented challenges in waste management, from increasing volumes of solid waste to emerging pollutants requiring specialized treatment. As regulations tighten and environmental concerns grow, industries and communities need innovative, sustainable solutions.
Veolia, championing a growing market
As the worldwide leader in hazardous waste management, Veolia operates an extensive network of specialized facilities handling 8.7 million tons annually. The Group’s expertise spans across multiple sectors, from chemical and petrochemical industries to pharmaceutical and manufacturing, providing comprehensive solutions for complex and regulated waste streams.
Through its GreenUp 2024-2027 strategic program, Veolia is expanding its treatment capacity and developing innovative solutions for emerging pollutants (particularly PFAS treatment). This strategic focus responds to increasing environmental regulations and growing industrial needs for specialized waste treatment, positioning Veolia at the forefront of addressing critical environmental challenges while ensuring sustainable resource management.
A strong ambition in hazardous waste management
Veolia is accelerating its development in hazardous waste management with ambitious expansion plans through 2027. As the global leader in this sector, the Group aims to strengthen its position by adding 285,000 tons of new treatment capacity worldwide.
Key focus areas include developing innovative solutions for emerging pollutants, particularly PFAS treatment, where Veolia targets €1 billion in treatment activities by 2030. The strategy emphasizes geographic expansion in high-potential markets, especially in North America and Asia, while modernizing existing facilities and implementing new technologies. Through these initiatives, Veolia is positioning itself to address growing industrial needs for specialized waste treatment, driven by stricter environmental regulations and increasing awareness of hazardous waste management challenges.
worldwide in hazardous waste
of solid waste treated each year
in Europe in circular economy
Hazardous Waste processing facilities
in hazardous waste management
in PFAS & new pollutants treatment across activities by 2030
Strategic combinations for enhanced value : leveraging synergies across activities
Veolia's strength lies in its ability to create powerful combinations across its business segments. By integrating water, waste, and energy solutions, the company delivers enhanced value to industrial clients through multi-utility contracts. This approach is particularly effective in addressing complex environmental challenges, such as combining water treatment expertise with hazardous waste management for PFAS remediation, or linking waste-to-energy capabilities with industrial services.
Water + Waste:
Combining water treatment expertise with hazardous waste management for complete PFAS treatment solutions
Waste + Energy:
Converting solid waste to energy while treating residual waste streams
Industrial Services + Waste:
Providing integrated solutions from industrial cleaning to specialized waste treatment
Water + Energy:
Leveraging wastewater treatment plants for biogas production
Circular Solutions:
Creating closed-loop systems where waste from one process becomes a resource for another
These strategic combinations enable Veolia to offer comprehensive environmental solutions while maximizing operational efficiency and resource recovery. The company's unique positioning across these complementary activities creates competitive advantages and drives innovation in environmental services.
Hazardous waste management is at the heart of our ecological transformation mission. With our unique expertise and global presence, we don't just treat these wastes: we transform them into valuable resources. Our integrated approach, combining water, waste and energy, enables us to offer innovative solutions to the most complex environmental challenges. This is how we create sustainable value while protecting the environment and human health. Our ambition for 2030, particularly in PFAS treatment, illustrates our commitment to remaining a leader in this strategic sector.
Estelle Brachlianoff, Veolia’s Chief Executive Officer
Specialized treatment for every type of hazardous waste
From cutting-edge incineration technologies to advanced soil remediation processes, this comprehensive suite of hazardous waste management solutions offers specialized treatments for every type of toxic material, ensuring safe handling, analysis, and disposal while prioritizing recycling opportunities whenever possible.
Laboratory analysis
Hazardous Waste characterization: traceability, safety, treatment path validation (~15% of the workforce, typically chemical engineers)
Physico-chemical treatment
Wastewater contaminated with toxic material. Ex: fly ashes, filter cakes, catalyst waste, …
High temperature incineration (1100°C)
Hazardous liquids, solids, sludge waste. Ex: PCB, PFAS, pesticides, non chlorinated solvents, …
Recycling & Regeneration
Valuable & Recyclable Hazardous waste. Ex: chlorinated solvents, acids, batteries, precious metals, spent oils, ...
Specialised ‘class 1’ landfilling
Polluted minerals or materials to be stabilized and stored. Ex: air pollution control residue, polluted sludges, powdery asbestos, ...
Soil Remediation
Polluted soils sorted, treated and recovered. Ex: soils contaminated by heavy metals (mercury, lead, etc.), hydrocarbons, PFAS, solvents, chlorinated compounds, ...
FOCUS | Veolia’s waste management leadership in North America
Veolia stands as the #2 player in U.S. hazardous waste management, operating a strategic network of 7 hazardous waste incinerators, 14 hazardous waste landfills, and 100+ collection and transfer stations across major industrial corridors. This robust infrastructure serves diverse industrial sectors with high environmental compliance needs.
The company is actively expanding its U.S. presence, particularly in emerging segments like PFAS treatment and disposal. By modernizing facilities and implementing digital solutions, Veolia is strengthening its position in key industrial states while developing innovative treatment capabilities for complex waste streams.
Key Assets and Infrastructure
7 hazardous waste incinerators
14 hazardous waste landfills
100+ collection & transfer stations
Extensive treatment facility network
Strategic locations serving major industrial corridors
Market Leadership
#2 in hazardous waste management in the U.S.
Leading position in industrial cleaning
Strong presence in key industrial states
Comprehensive service coverage across the country
From waste to value
Presentation
Download the presentation in:
Find out more about
Discover the New material loops
Discover the treatment and recovery of hazardous waste
Read Veolia’s new Planet magazine focusing on sustainable desalination
