In this article, we will look at the 12 Best Waste Management Stocks to Buy Right Now.
According to a report released by Mordor Intelligence, the global waste management market has a market size of $1.43 trillion as of 2025. It is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.62% between 2025 and 2030, reaching $1.97 trillion at the end of the forecast period.
While the largest market for the industry is Asia Pacific, the fastest growing is Middle East and Africa.
READ ALSO: 11 Best UK Stocks to Buy Right Now and 13 Best Automotive Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds.
On August 20, CNBC reported that electronic waste, or e-waste, is expected to reach 82 million metric tons by 2030, with critical data privacy and security issues. The United States amassed around 8 million tons of that e-waste, with only around 15% to 20% of it properly recycled.
CNBC further reported that the e-waste recycling industry is growing, with IBISWorld stating that it reached $28.1 billion in revenue in 2024.
With these trends in view, let’s look at the best waste management stocks to buy right now.
Our Methodology
We used stock screeners to compile a list of top waste management stocks and chose the top 12 most popular among hedge funds as of Q2 2025. We sourced the hedge fund sentiment data from Insider Monkey’s database. The list is sorted in ascending order of hedge fund holders.
Note: All data was sourced on September 5.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here).
12 Best Waste Management Stocks to Buy Right Now
12. ESGL Holdings Limited (NASDAQ:ESGL)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 1
ESGL Holdings Limited (NASDAQ:ESGL) is one of the best waste management stocks to buy right now. On September 2, ESGL Holdings Limited (NASDAQ:ESGL), through its subsidiary Environmental Solutions Asia Pte Ltd, announced the filing of a patent application with the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) for its groundbreaking technology for converting hydrofluoric acid wastes into Metallurgical-Grade Fluorspar.
Management reported that the process turns hazardous Hydrofluoric waste into valuable materials for industrial applications, including steel making and construction. It also considerably reduces carbon emissions in comparison to traditional mining.
Headquartered in Singapore, ESGL Holdings Limited (NASDAQ:ESGL) is involved in the waste management industry. The company also focuses on the sale and recycling of precious metals.
11. Perma-Fix Environmental Services, Inc. (NASDAQ:PESI)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 7
Perma-Fix Environmental Services, Inc. (NASDAQ:PESI) is one of the best waste management stocks to buy right now. In a report released on August 29, Aaron Spychalla from Craig-Hallum maintained a Buy rating on Perma-Fix Environmental Services, Inc. (NASDAQ:PESI).
Perma-Fix Environmental Services, Inc. (NASDAQ:PESI) reported its fiscal Q2 2025 earnings on August 7, with revenue for the quarter reaching around $14.6 million compared to approximately $14.0 million for the prior year period.
Management attributed the growth to the company’s Treatment Segment, where revenue rose to $11.4 million from $8.4 million in the same period last year. This increase was primarily due to higher averaged price waste related to waste mix and increased waste volume.
Perma-Fix Environmental Services, Inc. (NASDAQ:PESI) is a nuclear services company involved in the provision of nuclear waste management services. The company’s operations are divided into the Treatment, Services, and Corporate segments.
10. LanzaTech Global, Inc. (NASDAQ:LNZA)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 10
LanzaTech Global, Inc. (NASDAQ:LNZA) is one of the best waste management stocks to buy right now. On September 2, Roth MKM analyst Leo Mariani maintained a Hold rating on LanzaTech Global, Inc. (NASDAQ:LNZA) and set a price target of $20.00.
LanzaTech Global, Inc. (NASDAQ:LNZA) reported its H1 2025 results on July 23, delivering sales of CHF 3.6 billion with CER growth of 19.0% and CORE EBITDA of CHF 1.1 billion. This resulted in a margin of 29.6%, up 0.4ppts compared to H1 2024.
Management reported that the CDMO business delivered sales of CHF 3.1 billion, with CER growth of 23.1% and CORE EBITDA of CHF 922 million, which resulted in a margin of 30.2%.
LanzaTech Global, Inc. (NASDAQ:LNZA) provides nature-based carbon refining to transform waste carbon into chemical building blocks for consumer goods, including sustainable fuels, packaging, and fabrics.
9. Montrose Environmental Group, Inc. (NYSE:MEG)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 11
Montrose Environmental Group, Inc. (NYSE:MEG) is one of the best waste management stocks to buy right now. On August 8, Needham analyst James Ricchiuti raised the firm’s price target on Montrose Environmental Group, Inc. (NYSE:MEG) to $31 from $30, keeping a Buy rating on the shares.
The analyst told investors in a research note that Montrose Environmental Group, Inc. (NYSE:MEG) delivered impressive Q2 results that should go a long way in addressing investor concerns regarding profitability and growth.
The same day, Needham analyst James Ricchiuti reiterated a Buy rating on Montrose Environmental Group, Inc. (NYSE:MEG) and set a price target of $31.00.
Similarly, Clear Street analyst Tim Moore raised the firm’s price target on Montrose Environmental Group, Inc. (NYSE:MEG) to $36 from $34 on August 7 while keeping a Buy rating on the shares, attributing the outlook upgrade to the company’s solid Q2.
The analyst cited the company’s higher organic sales growth profile and EBITDA margin as factors supporting the positive outlook.
Montrose Environmental Group, Inc. (NYSE:MEG) is an environmental services company that provides air measurement and environmental laboratory services.
The company’s operations are divided into the following segments: Assessment, Permitting and Response, Measurement and Analysis, and Remediation and Reuse.
8. Quest Resource Holding Corporation (NASDAQ:QRHC)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 12
Quest Resource Holding Corporation (NASDAQ:QRHC) is one of the best waste management stocks to buy right now. On August 19, Craig-Hallum analyst Aaron Spychalla maintained a Buy rating on Quest Resource Holding Corporation (NASDAQ:QRHC) without assigning a price target.
However, Northland downgraded Quest Resource Holding Corporation (NASDAQ:QRHC) to Market Perform from Outperform on August 12, bringing the price target down to $2.25 from $5.50.
The firm gave the rating after the company reported its Q2 results, stating that Quest Resource Holding Corporation (NASDAQ:QRHC) faces headwinds related to ongoing macro uncertainties and continued softness with some industrial customers.
It added that the company’s strategic initiatives are “going to take longer to bear fruit” given the macro uncertainty, the analyst tells investors.
Quest Resource Holding Corporation (NASDAQ:QRHC) provides waste and recycling services to customers from various industrial sectors.
The company’s focus is on recyclables and waste streams from the food chain, big box, and other retailers, along with construction and demolition projects, manufacturing plants, truck, and bus fleet operators, and more.
7. Enviri Corporation (NYSE:NVRI)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 21
Enviri Corporation (NYSE:NVRI) is one of the best waste management stocks to buy right now. Enviri Corporation (NYSE:NVRI) reported its fiscal Q2 2025 results on August 5, with revenues for the quarter totaling $562 million and GAAP consolidated loss from continuing operations reaching $46 million.
Management also reported that adjusted EBITDA in the quarter totaled $65 million. Enviri Corporation (NYSE:NVRI) expects 2025 adjusted EBITDA within a range of $290 million to $310 million.
Before the earnings release, Lake Street analyst Robert Brown maintained a Buy rating on Enviri Corporation (NYSE:NVRI) on August 4 and set a price target of $24.00.
However, in a report released on August 6, BMO Capital reiterated a Hold rating on the stock with a $9.5 price target.
Enviri Corporation (NYSE:NVRI) provides industrial services and engineering products. The company’s operations are divided into the following segments: Harsco Environmental, Clean Earth, and Harsco Rail.
6. Casella Waste Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CWST)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 24
Casella Waste Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CWST) is one of the best waste management stocks to buy right now. William Blair analyst Trevor Romeo reiterated a bullish stance on Casella Waste Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CWST) on August 4, giving the stock a Buy rating.
The analyst based the optimistic rating on several factors, including the leadership transition at Casella Waste Systems. He expects the upcoming change in the CEO to be smooth, with Ned Coletta, who has been with the company for more than a decade, set to take over.
Romeo stated that Coletta’s previous roles as CFO and president position him as a well-regarded figure among investors, with his strategic contributions proving significant in leading Casella Waste Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CWST) towards financial discipline and growth.
In another report released on August 4, Raymond James lowered the firm’s price target on Casella Waste Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CWST) to $125 from $129 while keeping a Strong Buy rating on the shares.
The firm told investors in a research note that the company’s ongoing operational improvements and “unique” landfill positioning offer sustainable organic growth and margin opportunities.
Casella Waste Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CWST) provides solid waste management services. Its operations are divided into the following segments: Eastern, Western, Mid-Atlantic, and Resource Solutions.
5. GFL Environmental Inc. (NYSE:GFL)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 39
GFL Environmental Inc. (NYSE:GFL) is one of the best waste management stocks to buy right now. On August 8, Truist Financial analyst Tobey Sommer maintained a Buy rating on GFL Environmental Inc. (NYSE:GFL) without assigning a price target.
Similarly, Citi raised the firm’s price target on GFL Environmental Inc. (NYSE:GFL) to $58 from $56 on August 5, keeping a Buy rating on the shares.
The firm told investors that it is raising its FY25 EBITDA estimate by 1% to reflect the Q2 beat and the company’s raising FY25 guidance.
It added that while GFL Environmental Inc. (NYSE:GFL) is running behind its M&A spending guidance based on its year-to-date pace, it sees the deal closing in H2 as an additive to what it calls “an already strong setup” for 2026.
The stock’s median price target of $47.90 implies an upside of 23.02% from current levels.
GFL Environmental Inc. (NYSE:GFL) is involved in the transport, management, and recycling of liquid and solid waste. It also provides soil remediation services, with its operations divided into the following segments: Solid Waste, Environmental Services, and Corporate.
4. Waste Connections, Inc. (NYSE:WCN)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 43
Waste Connections, Inc. (NYSE:WCN) is one of the best waste management stocks to buy right now. On August 18, Truist Financial analyst Tobey Sommer maintained a Buy rating on Waste Connections, Inc. (NYSE:WCN) without assigning a price target.
However, in a report released on July 28, Citi lowered the firm’s price target on Waste Connections, Inc. (NYSE:WCN) to $204 from $208 while keeping a Neutral rating on the shares. The firm told investors that it slashed its 2026 estimates after the Q2 report.
The same day, Jefferies analyst Stephanie Moore reiterated a Buy rating on Waste Connections, Inc. (NYSE:WCN) and set a price target of $227.00.
Waste Connections, Inc. (NYSE:WCN) provides non-hazardous waste collection, transfer, and disposal services to commercial, residential, landfill, and transfer stations, and industries. The company’s operations are divided into the following geographical segments: Western, Southern, Central, Eastern, Canada, and MidSouth.
3. Clean Harbors, Inc. (NYSE:CLH)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 51
Clean Harbors, Inc. (NYSE:CLH) is one of the best waste management stocks to buy right now. In a report released on September 4, Tobey Sommer from Truist Financial maintained a Buy rating on Clean Harbors, Inc. (NYSE:CLH) without assigning a price target.
Clean Harbors, Inc. (NYSE:CLH) reported its fiscal Q2 2025 earnings on July 30, with revenue for the quarter reaching $1.55 billion.
Management stated that the company attained Q2 net income of $126.9 million, or EPS of $2.36. It also achieved record Q2 adjusted EBITDA of $336.2 million.
Clean Harbors, Inc. (NYSE:CLH) provides environmental, industrial, and energy services. Its operations are divided into the Environmental Services and the Safety-Kleen Sustainability Solutions segments.
2. Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE:RSG)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 60
Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE:RSG) is one of the best waste management stocks to buy right now. In a report released on August 21, David Manthey from Robert W. Baird maintained a Hold rating on Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE:RSG), setting a price target of $256.00.
In another report released on August 4, TD Cowen analyst James Schumm maintained a Hold rating on Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE:RSG), keeping the associated price target at $250.00.
The analyst told investors that while Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE:RSG) exhibited strong performance and outperformed a number of its peers over the last year, the advantages from recent wildfires and storms are diminishing. This sheds light on potential weaknesses in economically sensitive markets.
He added that while the stock’s attractiveness rose after a recent decline, the uncertain volume outlook warrants caution. The stock’s median price target of $229.73 implies an upside of 17.53% from current levels.
Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE:RSG) provides environmental services, with its operations divided into the following segments: Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3. The Group 1 segment manages the business of recycling and solid waste in geographic areas in western United States, while the Group 2 segment encompasses the same in the southeastern and mid-western and the eastern seaboard of the United States. The Group 3 segment manages environmental solutions business in geographic areas across the United States and Canada.
1. Waste Management, Inc. (NYSE:WM)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 75
Waste Management, Inc. (NYSE:WM) is one of the best waste management stocks to buy right now. In a report released on August 21, David Manthey from Robert W. Baird maintained a Hold rating on Waste Management, Inc. (NYSE:WM), setting a price target of $265.00.
On July 31, Scotiabank raised the firm’s price target on Waste Management, Inc. (NYSE:WM) to $275 from $265 while keeping an Outperform rating on the shares.
The firm told investors that despite headwinds, Waste Management, Inc. (NYSE:WM) reported better than expected Q2 results and management improved its FY25 outlook.
Similarly, Oppenheimer raised the firm’s price target on Waste Management, Inc. (NYSE:WM) to $265 from $260 on July 30, keeping an Outperform rating on the shares.
Waste Management, Inc. (NYSE:WM) provides waste management environmental services. Its operations are divided into the following segments: Collection and Disposal-East Tier (East Tier), Collection and Disposal-West Tier (West Tier), Recycling Processing and Sales, WM Renewable Energy, and VM Healthcare Solutions.
While we acknowledge the potential of WM to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than WM and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.
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