NAICS UNIVERSITY · Free research for insurance agents
Materials Recovery Facilities
NAICS 562920 · United States · 2022 edition
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in (1) operating facilities for separating and sorting recyclable materials from nonhazardous waste streams (i.e., garbage) and/or (2) operating facilities where commingled recyclable materials, such as paper, plastics, used beverage cans, and metals, are sorted into distinct categories.
Start the review with workers' compensation.
For Materials Recovery Facilities, the saved research highlights workers' compensation, pollution/environmental liability, equipment breakdown. Confirm how these arise in the actual operation, what controls are used and whether additional services change the proposed coverage.
Questions to ask
- What waste streams are accepted — commingled recyclables only, or also organics, C&D debris, or other materials?
- What is the facility's throughput volume and number of employees on the sorting floor?
- What fire suppression systems are in place, and when were they last inspected?
- Has the facility had any pollution incidents, regulatory violations, or environmental complaints?
- What is the current workers' compensation experience modification factor and recent loss history?
- For Materials Recovery Facilities, what should the underwriter know about handling of construction and demolition debris, electronics (e-waste), or other materials that blur the line with hazardous waste streams?
- For Materials Recovery Facilities, what should the underwriter know about prior pollution incidents, regulatory notices of violation, or environmental enforcement actions?
- For Materials Recovery Facilities, what should the underwriter know about poor fire protection?
Activities described by this code
Other activities to examine
Census classification reference
For educational purposes only. AI-generated insurance research and automated logic can contain errors. Independently verify classification and coverage decisions.
Compare another operationInsurance operations research — draft
Materials recovery facilities receive mixed recyclables or nonhazardous waste streams, then separate and sort materials — paper, cardboard, plastics, metals, and glass — using conveyor belts, screens, optical sorters, balers, and manual picking lines. Processed bales or sorted commodities are then sold or transferred to downstream processors or manufacturers. Operations typically run continuously or in extended shifts with significant heavy equipment and large employee workforces.
Questions to investigate
- What waste streams are accepted — commingled recyclables only, or also organics, C&D debris, or other materials?
- What is the facility's throughput volume and number of employees on the sorting floor?
- What fire suppression systems are in place, and when were they last inspected?
- Has the facility had any pollution incidents, regulatory violations, or environmental complaints?
This insurance research was generated in April 2026. It has not received a complete human review. The October 12, 2026 audit checked codes and titles only, not descriptions or coverage assertions.