Number of Solid Waste Collection Businesses in the US (2000–2023)
As of 2023
8,038
solid waste collection businesses in the United States
Number of Firms Over Time
Total Employment Over Time
Key Insights
- •The solid waste collection industry has grown 38.8% since 2000 (from 5,793 to 8,038 firms).
- •The peak year was 2023 with 8,038 firms.
- •Recent trend (last 5 years): the industry is growing (+10.8%).
- •Employment: 264,000 workers in 2023 (73.1% change since 2000).
- •Estimated 5-year survival rate: 71%.
Year-by-Year Data
| Year | Firms | Establishments | Employment | Entry Rate | Exit Rate | Net Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 8,038 | 12,312 | 264,000 | 9.2% | 6.7% | +3.6% |
| 2022 | 7,852 | 11,834 | 249,060 | 9.7% | 7.8% | +3.4% |
| 2021 | 7,525 | 11,561 | 241,185 | 9.0% | 6.1% | +2.8% |
| 2020 | 7,240 | 11,201 | 234,710 | 6.9% | 6.6% | +2.2% |
| 2019 | 7,253 | 11,159 | 229,641 | 6.0% | 6.4% | +2.7% |
| 2018 | 7,314 | 11,215 | 223,482 | 6.6% | 5.9% | +3.7% |
| 2017 | 7,210 | 11,122 | 215,356 | 6.3% | 5.8% | +4.2% |
| 2016 | 7,168 | 11,022 | 203,706 | 10.5% | 5.8% | +1.8% |
| 2015 | 7,146 | 10,471 | 200,311 | 6.0% | 6.4% | +2.0% |
| 2014 | 7,256 | 10,491 | 196,789 | 7.4% | 7.3% | +1.6% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Business Dynamics Statistics (BDS). Entry/exit rates refer to establishment openings and closings.