Recovery of sorted materials (PKD 38.21.Z)
This subclass covers:
- processing of metal and non-metal waste (including scrap and other articles) into secondary raw materials
- recovery of raw materials from waste through:
- separation and sorting of recoverable materials from non-hazardous waste (that is, refuse),
- separation and sorting into different categories of mixed recoverable materials (for example paper, plastics, used beverage cans, metal). The mechanical or chemical processing of waste may, for example, include: - mechanical crushing and shredding of metal objects, for example old cars, washing machines or motorcycles
- mechanical reduction of large iron items (for example railway wagons)
- recovery of iron from clinker
- recovery of metals from photographic waste (for example from fixers, film and photographic paper)
- dismantling of wrecks of all kinds (cars, ships, computers, televisions and other equipment) for raw material recovery
- production of rubber powder from rubber waste and scrap, including decontamination, separation (removal) of fractions and devulcanisation
- sorting and mechanical treatment (for example cleaning, grinding) of plastics for the production of secondary raw materials
- processing (aging, cleaning, sorting) of bottom ash to recover secondary raw materials (metals, aggregates)
- crushing, cleaning and sorting of glass
- crushing, cleaning and sorting of other waste (for example demolition waste in order to obtain secondary raw materials)
- processing of other waste from food, beverages, tobacco products and other residues into secondary raw materials
- recovery of waste oils, processing used oils and edible fats and oils into secondary raw materials
- recovery of silver from chemical waste, other than electrolytic refining
- recovery of phosphorus from sewage sludge incineration
- recovery of textile and clothing articles through mechanical, thermal or chemical processes
- production of compost from waste
- production of biogas from waste, not for gas supply or energy purposes.
This subclass excludes:
- processing of nuclear fuels, classified in 20.13.Z,
- melting plastics to produce granules or compounds, classified in 20.16.Z,
- melting iron waste and scrap, classified in 24.10.Z,
- production of biogas for supply as biofuel, classified in 35.21.Z,
- energy recovery during thermal treatment of waste, classified in 38.22.Z,
- disposal of waste without recovery, including pre-disposal treatment), classified in the relevant subclasses of group 38.3,
- wholesale of recoverable materials, classified in 46.87.Z,
- production of a new final product made from secondary raw materials, whether or not from own production (for example yarn from reclaimed fibre, production of paper pulp from waste paper, tyre retreading or production of metals from scrap), classified in the relevant subclasses of section C Manufacturing.
Industry statistics (2025)
Number of companies
Companies (primary PKD)
699
Companies (secondary PKD)
11,259
Companies with financials
336
Legal structure
Legal formShare of companiesNumber of companies
- Sp. z o.o.87.8%614
- S.A.3.6%25
- Sp. k.3.3%23
- P.S.A.1.9%13
- Sp. j.1.4%10
- Cooperative0.6%4
- Other0.4%3
- Foundation0.3%2
- Association0.1%1
Financial results
Median revenue
Ranking
Median revenue compared with other PKD codes.
Top companies by revenue
| # | Company | Legal form | Revenue | Net profit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | sp. z o.o. | $119.16M | $25.57M | |
| 2 | sp. z o.o. | $114.86M | -$590.44k | |
| 3 | sp. z o.o. | $60.42M | -$18.15M | |
| 4 | sp. z o.o. | $56.50M | $7.65M | |
| 5 | S.A. | $43.56M | $1.74M | |
| 6 | sp. z o.o. | $37.37M | $1.90M | |
| 7 | sp. z o.o. | $35.69M | $5.37M | |
| 8 | sp. z o.o. | $34.23M | $6.55M | |
| 9 | sp. z o.o. | $32.15M | $1.26M | |
| 10 | sp. z o.o. | $30.77M | $3.03M |
Related PKD codes in this division
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