Analysis
NAICS 56221 is the 2022 NAICS industry for waste treatment and disposal, part of 5622 (Waste Treatment and Disposal). Census lists 44 example activities under it in the official index.
Between 2018 and 2023 the number of establishments grew 26% and employment rose 7%. The 2018 count used NAICS 2017, so part of a large move can come from codes being redefined rather than from businesses opening or closing.
County Business Patterns counts 3,326 US establishments in this code in 2023, employing 62,599 people at an average annual payroll of $81,260 per employee (70th percentile of national industries). 42% of the establishments have fewer than five employees, which is close to the national mix.
Across its national industries Census lists 44 index entries; typical ones are acid waste disposal facilities, dumps, nonhazardous solid waste (e.g., trash), combustors, nonhazardous solid waste and compost dumps.
It splits into 4 more detailed codes. The largest by establishments is 562212 (Solid Waste Landfill) with 1,559.
Its more detailed codes are 562211 Hazardous Waste Treatment and Disposal (994 establishments), 562212 Solid Waste Landfill (1,559 establishments), 562213 Solid Waste Combustors and Incinerators (64 establishments) and 562219 Other Nonhazardous Waste Treatment and Disposal (709 establishments).
Official definition
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in (1) operating waste treatment or disposal facilities (except sewer systems or sewage treatment facilities) or (2) the combined activity of collecting and/or hauling of waste materials within a local area and operating waste treatment or disposal facilities. Waste combustors or incinerators (including those that may produce byproducts, such as electricity), solid waste landfills, and compost dumps are included in this industry.
Source: US Census Bureau, NAICS 2022 Manual.
Not this code if…
| The business mainly does | Use instead |
|---|---|
| Collecting, treating, and disposing waste through sewer systems or sewage treatment facilities | 22132 Sewage Treatment Facilities |
| Manufacturing compost | 32531 Fertilizer and Compost Manufacturing |
| Pumping (i.e., cleaning) cesspools, portable toilets, and septic tanks or renting portable toilets | 56299 All Other Waste Management Services |
Index entries (44)
- Acid waste disposal facilities
- Dumps, nonhazardous solid waste (e.g., trash)
- Combustors, nonhazardous solid waste
- Compost dumps