Treatment and disposal of non-hazardous waste

NACE code 38.21 covers the treatment and disposal of non-hazardous waste, an essential industry that plays a crucial role in maintaining a clean and sustainable environment. This sector is responsible for managing a wide range of waste materials, from municipal solid waste to industrial by-products, ensuring their safe and responsible disposal or recycling. As the global focus on environmental protection and resource efficiency continues to grow, the importance of this industry within the broader economy cannot be overstated.

The main production techniques used in the treatment and disposal of non-hazardous waste include landfilling, incineration, and various recycling and recovery processes. Landfilling involves the controlled placement and compaction of waste in designated areas, while incineration utilizes high-temperature combustion to reduce the volume of waste. Recycling and recovery processes, such as sorting, shredding, and composting, aim to extract valuable materials and resources from the waste stream for reuse or repurposing.

The key inputs required for the treatment and disposal of non-hazardous waste include the waste materials themselves, which can come from a variety of sources, such as households, businesses, and industrial facilities. Additionally, this industry relies on specialized equipment and machinery, such as waste collection vehicles, sorting and processing equipment, and landfill or incineration facilities. Energy sources, such as electricity and fuel, are also essential inputs for the various waste management processes.

The main outputs of the treatment and disposal of non-hazardous waste industry include the final disposal or recycled products. Landfills and incineration facilities produce residual materials, such as ash or slag, which may be further processed or disposed of. Recycling and recovery processes yield secondary raw materials, such as metals, plastics, and paper, which can be used as inputs for other industries, such as 38.32 Recovery of sorted materials and 20.16 Manufacture of plastics in primary forms.