Introduction
The United States healthcare environmental services (EVS) market is undergoing a significant transformation as hospitals and healthcare facilities prioritize infection prevention, sustainability, and operational efficiency. Valued at US$6,317.3 million in 2023, the market reached US$6,755.3 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.1% from 2024 to 2029. This steady expansion is expected to push the market to a remarkable US$9,529.4 million by 2029, underscoring the critical role of environmental hygiene in healthcare safety and patient outcomes.
Rising Emphasis on Infection Prevention and Control
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of hospital hygiene has been amplified across the United States. Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) remain a persistent challenge, prompting hospitals to invest heavily in environmental cleaning, disinfection, and waste management services. Advanced EVS programs are increasingly viewed as a frontline defense against infectious disease outbreaks, ensuring safe and compliant healthcare environments.
Moreover, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other federal agencies have tightened guidelines on infection control, pushing healthcare institutions to adopt professional and technologically enhanced cleaning solutions. This trend has propelled demand for specialized services such as terminal cleaning, disinfection using UV and hydrogen peroxide systems, and surface antimicrobial protection.
Sustainability and Green Cleaning Practices on the Rise
Environmental sustainability has become a key strategic focus for healthcare providers. Hospitals are seeking ways to reduce chemical use, minimize waste, and enhance indoor air quality without compromising sanitation standards. Green cleaning programs, powered by eco-friendly products and energy-efficient equipment, are witnessing strong adoption across U.S. healthcare facilities.
The U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED certification and Practice Greenhealth initiatives have further encouraged hospitals to integrate environmentally responsible EVS solutions. Many facilities are transitioning toward biodegradable cleaning agents, microfiber technologies, and low-water cleaning systems, aligning their environmental goals with patient safety and community wellness.
Technological Advancements Transforming Service Delivery
The U.S. healthcare environmental services market is also benefiting from technological innovations that enhance precision, efficiency, and monitoring. Smart cleaning technologies—such as IoT-enabled cleaning devices, automated robots, and real-time tracking systems—are revolutionizing hospital hygiene management.
For example, UV-C disinfection robots and electrostatic sprayers are increasingly deployed in patient rooms, operating theaters, and high-touch areas to ensure comprehensive sterilization. Additionally, data-driven cleaning protocols using analytics and AI tools enable EVS teams to identify contamination hotspots and optimize workforce deployment, improving both cost-effectiveness and service quality.
Expanding Outsourcing Trends in Healthcare Facilities
A growing number of healthcare institutions in the United States are outsourcing environmental services to specialized third-party providers. Outsourcing allows hospitals to focus on core patient care activities while leveraging the expertise, efficiency, and scalability of professional service vendors. Major players in the industry, such as Sodexo, Aramark Healthcare+, Compass Group (Crothall Healthcare), and ABM Industries, dominate the outsourcing segment with robust service portfolios and compliance expertise.
Smaller regional providers are also expanding rapidly by offering tailored cleaning and maintenance solutions for clinics, ambulatory care centers, and long-term care facilities. As healthcare networks consolidate and expand, outsourcing partnerships are expected to remain a cornerstone of market growth.
Regulatory Compliance and Accreditation Driving Quality Standards
Regulatory bodies such as The Joint Commission (TJC) and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) mandate strict environmental standards for healthcare facilities. Compliance with these standards is directly linked to hospital accreditation and reimbursement eligibility. Consequently, healthcare organizations are emphasizing training and certification programs for EVS staff to ensure adherence to infection control and safety protocols.
Continuous audits, documentation, and quality assurance systems have become integral to healthcare environmental services. This regulatory rigor has elevated the professionalization of the industry, promoting consistent and measurable service outcomes across the board.
Market Segmentation Overview
The U.S. healthcare environmental services market encompasses several service categories, including:
- Cleaning and Disinfection Services: The largest segment, driven by infection control priorities and hospital hygiene protocols.
- Waste Management Services: Including biomedical, hazardous, and non-hazardous waste disposal, aligned with EPA and OSHA standards.
- Laundry and Linen Services: Essential for patient comfort and safety, maintaining hygienic conditions in bedding and garments.
- Facility Maintenance and Pest Control: Complementary services ensuring the overall cleanliness and safety of healthcare environments.
Among end users, hospitals dominate the market, accounting for the majority of service demand, followed by outpatient facilities, nursing homes, and diagnostic centers.
Regional Outlook within the United States
While the healthcare environmental services market is robust nationwide, urban and metropolitan regions—notably California, Texas, Florida, and New York—lead in revenue generation due to their dense hospital networks and large-scale healthcare infrastructure. However, the demand in rural and community healthcare facilities is gaining traction as smaller institutions upgrade their environmental protocols to match national standards.
Key Market Players
Some of the leading companies shaping the U.S. healthcare environmental services landscape include:
- Sodexo SA
- Aramark Healthcare+
- Compass Group PLC (Crothall Healthcare)
- ABM Industries Incorporated
- HHS, LLC
- Eurest Services
- Healthcare Services Group, Inc.
These players are expanding their service offerings through partnerships, training initiatives, and digital innovations to enhance operational transparency and sustainability performance.
Future Outlook: A Cleaner, Smarter, and Safer Healthcare Ecosystem
Looking ahead, the U.S. healthcare environmental services market is set to evolve into a more technology-driven, sustainable, and patient-centered industry. The integration of robotics, artificial intelligence, and eco-conscious practices will redefine the future of healthcare hygiene management. Hospitals that prioritize proactive and data-informed EVS strategies will not only enhance infection prevention but also improve patient satisfaction and overall operational resilience.
With a projected valuation of US$9,529.4 million by 2029, the industry’s growth trajectory reflects its indispensable role in shaping a safer and more sustainable healthcare environment for the future.
Conclusion The United States healthcare environmental services market stands at a critical intersection of public health, technology, and sustainability. As healthcare systems continue to modernize, EVS providers will play a pivotal role in ensuring that hospitals remain safe sanctuaries for healing. Through innovation, compliance, and eco-conscious practices, the market is set to achieve long-term stability and expansion—cementing its position as an essential pillar of the nation’s healthcare infrastructure
