NAICS 5622

Waste Treatment & Disposal

Waste treatment and disposal industry (NAICS 5622): detailed overview of hazardous and non-hazardous waste management, treatment facilities, and environmental compliance.

Industry at a Glance

Sector-wide aggregates across all businesses classified under NAICS 5622 (2017 classification frame). For specific sub-industries within this sector, see the individual reports below.

Employment
63K
US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Establishments
3,326
US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Annual Payroll
$5.1B
US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Avg Annual Wage
$81,260
Derived from US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Market Size
$24.8B
US Census Economic Census · 2022 · NAICS 2017

Industry Overview

Waste treatment and disposal (NAICS 5622) encompasses establishments primarily engaged in the treatment and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous waste through various methods including incineration, landfilling, composting, and specialized treatment processes. This industry group plays a critical role in environmental protection and public health by managing waste streams generated across residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional sectors. The industry operates under strict regulatory frameworks established by federal, state, and local environmental agencies, requiring significant capital investment in infrastructure, technology, and compliance systems to meet increasingly stringent environmental standards.

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Industry Trends

01

Increased adoption of advanced waste-to-energy technologies and thermal treatment systems to reduce landfill dependency while generating renewable energy resources.

EPA

Growing demand for specialized hazardous waste treatment services driven by stricter EPA regulations and industrial compliance requirements.

03

Expansion of pharmaceutical waste and medical waste disposal services in response to healthcare industry growth and regulatory emphasis on safe medication disposal.

04

Integration of digital monitoring and real-time tracking systems to enhance operational efficiency, safety compliance, and environmental impact reporting.

PFAS

Rising investment in remediation and treatment of emerging contaminants including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and other persistent pollutants.

Industries

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is NAICS 5622? ▾
NAICS 5622 classifies establishments engaged in waste treatment and disposal activities, including hazardous and non-hazardous waste management through incineration, landfilling, composting, and other treatment methods. This industry group excludes solid waste collection services and focuses specifically on the treatment and final disposition of waste materials.
What types of waste does this industry handle? ▾
The industry manages hazardous waste including chemical, radioactive, and infectious materials; non-hazardous solid waste from residential and commercial sources; industrial process waste; and specialized streams such as construction debris, medical waste, and pharmaceutical waste. Treatment methods vary based on waste composition and regulatory requirements.
How do regulatory requirements impact waste treatment and disposal operations? ▾
EPA and state environmental regulations establish strict standards for treatment methodologies, facility design, operational procedures, monitoring protocols, and record-keeping. Compliance requires ongoing training, documentation, permits, and capital investments in pollution control systems, making regulatory expertise critical for business operations and cost management.
What distinguishes waste treatment from waste collection? ▾
Waste collection (NAICS 5621) focuses on gathering and transporting waste from sources to processing facilities, while waste treatment and disposal (NAICS 5622) involves the actual treatment, processing, and final disposition of waste materials through specialized facilities and methodologies.
How is the industry adapting to sustainability pressures? ▾
Facilities increasingly adopt circular economy principles, implementing waste-to-energy systems, material recovery programs, and advanced treatment technologies that minimize environmental impact. Companies are also pursuing certifications and sustainability reporting to address stakeholder and regulatory expectations for environmental responsibility.

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