Providers of waste management and remediation services play the important role of collecting, hauling, recycling and disposing of waste. Businesses can also assist with cleanup of contaminated buildings or land through remediation. Demand for these services is generally linked to population growth, although increasing consumerism has been a driving force for growth in recent years. This industry is heavily influenced by environmental regulation, energy costs and land availability. Increasing investment in technology for managing various waste streams is crucial to future growth and development while simultaneously minimizing environmental impact.