U.S. Medical Waste Treatment, Containment, Management and Disposal Markets

Report Highlights

• The global market for medical waste treatment, containment, management and disposal increased from $1.9 billion in 2006 to an estimated $2.0 billion by the end of 2007. It should reach $2.6 billion by 2012, a compound annual growth rate of 5.1%.
• The market will continue to be dominated by the service markets with a market share of 80%, or an estimated $1.6 billion, in 2007, expected to reach $2.1 billion by 2012.
• Medical waste containment systems are expected to experience high growth due to a growing and aging population, a rising incidence of chronic disease, and new requirements for sharps disposal in community and home settings.

INTRODUCTION

A trend is continuing to evolve worldwide with the regulation of medical waste, and in particular infectious medical waste. After the closing of more than 3,600 medical waste incinerators in the United States since 1995, the industry was faced with finding alternatives to incineration, noted by most as the most cost-effective and efficient method of disposing of medical waste. Now facilities turn to service companies, autoclave methods, and even some microwave solutions to meet the steady flow of medical waste generated by a growing health care and pharmaceutical industry.

Several challenges still exist in the medical waste market, including limited options in on-site treatment and extravagant costs for removal of waste by service companies. Industry experts have stressed the benefits of reducing the waste generated and taking advantage of recycling opportunities to be the most beneficial to saving. However, this approach can take years to implement in many facilities, particularly high bed count hospitals. The need for cost-effective, efficient solutions is in high demand by facilities nationwide.

SCOPE OF STUDY

This report contains:

• Descriptions of various types of medical waste treatment, containment, management and disposal products, with current and potential applications for each
• The current market status of medical waste treatment, containment, management and disposal products and forecasts of growth over the next 5 years
• Technological issues, including the latest developments
• A discussion of the increased regulatory requirements for incineration methods and an overview of services and containment options used by health care companies in the United States
• An examination of the risks of contact with medical waste.

METHODOLOGY

The information for this report was obtained through primary and secondary data collection methods. Primary sources included interviews with more than 50 key executives, product managers, industry specialists, and other related key personnel involved with the medical waste industry. Secondary sources included published literature, investment reports, company literature, and various business journals that have emphases on waste management and related areas.

Market data for this report pertains to the world market in U.S. dollars at the manufacturers' level. The base year of the report is 2007, with historical data provided for 2005 and 2006, and forecast data provided for 2012. Historical, base year and forecast data are provided for each market segment of the report. Growth rates are determined through a compilation of data, including past trends, future trends, demographics, incidence, mortality, technology developments, current product growth, etc. Competitor market share estimates are provided for each market segment for the 2007 base year

ANALYST CREDENTIALS

Melissa Elder is an experienced health care market analyst specializing in prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and emerging health care technologies. Ms. Elder has more than 13 years of experience in the health care industry, specializing in market research for the past 10 years. This experience has given her substantial insights into pharmaceutical market analysis. Her work in the medical community, including emergency room medical training and health care information system coordination, has enhanced her ability to provide insight into many health care markets.