562920 - Materials Recovery Facilities

The evolving emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility has boosted the importance of recycling industries nationwide. One critical component in this landscape is NAICS Code 562920, which covers Materials Recovery Facilities—the backbone of efficient recyclable material processing. Understanding this NAICS code is essential for businesses, contractors, and government agencies engaged in waste management and recycling services.

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What Is NAICS Code 562920?

NAICS Code 562920 specifically pertains to establishments known as Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs). These facilities specialize in the sorting, separating, and recovery of recyclable materials from various waste streams. Their primary function is to extract valuable materials such as paper, plastics, metals, and glass, making them available for further processing and reuse.

In other words, materials recovery facilities act as intermediaries, transforming discarded mixed waste into sorted, marketable recyclable commodities.

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Sector Overview: Waste Management and Remediation Services

NAICS 562920 is categorized under the Waste Management and Remediation Services sector. This sector encompasses businesses that manage and process waste, including collection, treatment, disposal, and recycling or reuse of waste materials.

Materials Recovery Facilities play a pivotal role in:

• Reducing landfill waste
• Facilitating sustainable resource management
• Supporting the circular economy by enabling recycling loops

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Typical Business Activities under NAICS 562920

Businesses operating under NAICS 562920 engage in activities such as:

• Sorting recyclable materials (paper, plastics, metals, glass) from mixed waste streams
• Operating recycling centers
• Running material sorting and processing plants
• Recovering recyclable materials for resale or further manufacturing use
• Providing waste recovery solutions to municipal and commercial clients

Examples include:

• Recycling Centers
• Material Sorting Facilities
• Waste Processing Plants

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Size Standard for NAICS 562920

To qualify as a small business under NAICS 562920, the size standard is an average annual revenue of $25 million dollars or less. This threshold is critical for businesses pursuing government contracts, ensuring they meet eligibility requirements for small business programs and set-asides.

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NAICS Code 562920 Details Table

Aspect	Description
NAICS Code	562920
Title	Materials Recovery Facilities
Sector	Waste Management and Remediation Services
Description	Establishments operating facilities to sort and separate recyclable materials from waste streams for processing and reuse
Common Terms	Materials recovery facilities (MRF), recyclable materials recovery facilities, waste recovery facilities
Typical Business Types	Recycling centers, material sorting facilities, waste processing plants
Size Standard	$25 million average annual revenue

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About NAICS Code 562920

Q1: What are Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs)?
A: MRFs are specialized plants where recyclable materials are separated and sorted from general waste streams to enable recycling and reuse.

Q2: What types of materials do MRFs typically recover?
A: Commonly recovered materials include paper, plastic, metals, and glass.

Q3: Which sector does NAICS code 562920 belong to?
A: It falls within the Waste Management and Remediation Services sector.

Q4: What is the size standard for businesses under this NAICS code?
A: The small business size standard is $25 million in average annual revenue.

Q5: Can recycling centers be classified under NAICS 562920?
A: Yes, recycling centers that perform material sorting and recovery are typical examples of businesses within this NAICS code.

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Conclusion

Materials Recovery Facilities (NAICS 562920) are vital participants in the waste management ecosystem. By efficiently sorting and recovering recyclable materials, MRFs help reduce environmental impact and promote resource sustainability. Whether you are a business owner, government contractor, or investor, understanding the nuances of NAICS 562920—including its sector classification, size standards, and typical activities—can help unlock valuable opportunities in the growing recycling and waste recovery market.

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Keywords: NAICS 562920, Materials Recovery Facilities, MRF, recyclable materials recovery facilities, waste management, recycling centers, waste processing plants, size standard, waste streams, recycling industry.