Wood is everywhere, from our small homes to sky-high buildings out there. Have you ever wondered what happens to it when it reaches the end of service life? Does wood go into recycling or garbage then? The answer might be more complicated than a yes or no. Keep reading as we uncover the truth!
In this article:
Can You Recycle Wood?
Yes, untreated wood can be recycled. However, wood treated with chemicals must go through thorough testing to decide if they can go into recycling or not. Extra substances and items like varnish, paint, plastics, nails, etc., might contaminate the wood load. This contamination requires additional processing, and many recycling facilities find the extra effort and money aren’t worth it.
To help you sort them out more easily, here are some common wood types that can be recycled:
- Hardwood and softwood (mostly found in household furniture, cladding, decking, pallets, etc.)
- Plywood
- Blockboard
- Chipboard
- OSB (Oriented strand board)
- MDF (Medium-density fiberboard)
- Removed trees and branches or other biological materials
Meanwhile, these types of wood pose some challenges when recycling:
- Chemically treated timber (painted, varnished, etc.)
- Laminates
- Composite wood
- Wood with plastics
Why Recycling Wood?
Wood is biodegradable, so why the hassle? Some folks argue that recycling wood is a waste of time and effort as it can break down naturally without harming the environment.
Here’s the kicker: According to The Round Up, it only takes one day for 42 million trees to be chopped down, but it takes several years for a tree to reach maturity. If we don’t recycle or reuse wood, the alarming global issues of deforestation and climate change still haunt us.
Saving trees can slow down deforestation and mitigate the greenhouse effect by absorbing a significant amount of carbon dioxide. Recycling wood is also a cost-effective way to create new furniture while freeing up landfills.
How Is Wood Recycled?
The recycling process of wood includes two main stages:
Collecting & Sorting
First, wood pieces will be collected from drop-off stations, households, construction sites, etc. They will then be classified into different grades:
- Grade A: This is the most preferred type for recycling, as it is pristine and free of contaminants. Wooden pallets often fall into this category and are usually repurposed into mulch, bedding, etc.
- Grade B: This is clean wood mixed with other construction waste, but it can be removed easily. You can easily find grade-B wood from construction sites. It’s useful for producing panel boarding.
- Grade C: These pieces of wood are heavily contaminated and can only be used for biomass fuel production. Advanced techniques are required to clean and process them.
- Grade D: According to the Wood Waste Regulations 2023, wood in the Grade D category is considered hazardous. It should be disposed of correctly or treated by specialists to get rid of toxic substances.
Cleaning, Shredding & Processing
Wood from Grades A to C will be washed off any paint, varnish, or stains. Other contaminants, like screws, nails, or plastics, will also be removed. Then, workers will shred it into wood chips or grind it into a finer texture for repurposing.
The processed wood has now become raw materials, which will be transported to manufacturers. Some products made from recycled wood are furnishings (chairs, tables, wardrobes, etc.), panel boards, mulches, and biomass fuel.
Can I Put Wood In Recycling Bins? Where Should I Dispose Of Non-Recyclable Wood?
No, untreated wood can’t go to curbside recycling bins. The reason is that recycling centers that collect curbside bins lack the equipment to process wood. So, wood, in this case, is deemed a contaminant and can send other recyclables to waste.
Where to put these wood pieces, then? If your local has a household recycling program that accepts wood, they will recycle it. If not, find the nearest drop-off center or wood recycling facility and take the wood there.
What about treated wood that can’t be recycled? Into the landfill, it goes! These places will handle wood waste in a more environmentally friendly way. In some areas, there are special collection days for non-recyclable waste. Check with your local authorities to see if this program is available.
If the wood products are still in good condition, don’t hesitate to repurpose them! Consider some DIY projects like stools, coffee tables, fences, decoration items, etc.
Other Ways To Do With Old Wood
Got some old wood around and still don’t know what to do with it? Here are some ways to give it a new life:
- Donate or resell: If the wood products are still in good shape, you can donate them to charities or resell them for some bucks.
- Make firewood: Wood, after all, is a natural resource for burning. So, pile the old wood up to use for your campfire or BBQ parties later.
Make your own mulch or animal bedding: You’ll need a wood chipper to break the wood down into small pieces. The wood chips make great mulch for your garden and a cozy bedding for livestock.
See more:
