Wholesale of waste and scrap

NACE code 46.77 covers the wholesale of waste and scrap, a critical industry that plays a vital role in the circular economy. This sector is responsible for the collection, sorting, and distribution of a wide range of recyclable materials, including metals, plastics, paper, and textiles. By diverting these materials from landfills and facilitating their reuse, the wholesale of waste and scrap industry helps to conserve natural resources, reduce environmental pollution, and support sustainable development.

The main production techniques in the wholesale of waste and scrap industry involve the collection, sorting, and processing of various waste and scrap materials. Waste is typically collected from a variety of sources, such as households, businesses, and industrial facilities. The collected materials are then sorted by type, quality, and composition, often using specialized equipment and automated sorting systems. Once sorted, the materials may undergo further processing, such as shredding, compacting, or baling, to prepare them for transportation and sale to downstream industries.

The key inputs required for the wholesale of waste and scrap industry include the waste and scrap materials themselves, as well as the necessary infrastructure and equipment for their collection, sorting, and processing. This includes vehicles for transportation, sorting facilities, and specialized machinery for processing the materials. Additionally, the industry relies on a skilled workforce to operate the various processes involved in the supply chain.

The main outputs of the wholesale of waste and scrap industry are the processed and sorted waste and scrap materials, which are then sold to other industries for recycling or reuse. These materials can be used as raw materials in the production of new goods, such as 24.10 Manufacture of basic iron and steel and of ferro-alloys, 22.22 Manufacture of plastic packing goods, and 17.12 Manufacture of paper and paperboard. The wholesale of waste and scrap industry, therefore, serves as a crucial link in the circular economy, connecting waste generators with industries that can utilize these materials as valuable inputs.