Wood Waste: Overview
Wood waste includes manufactured wood products that have been used previously for commercial purposes, as well as trees and branches that are too large to be collected as yard trimmings.
Sources of municipal wood waste include:
- Used lumber
- Trim
- Shipping pallets
- Trees and branches
- Other wood debris from construction and demolition activities
Wood Use Hierarchy:
If possible, wood should be salvaged and reused for its original purpose as this generally maintains the highest value. But it also typically requires the highest costs due to labor intensive sorting and processing.
The manufacturing of value-added products such as medium density fiberboard and particleboard is the next best option, but demands a high-quality feed stock, and can be difficult to achieve on a consistent basis.
The remaining material makes up the largest markets for urban wood waste as feedstock for a variety of industrial processes. All these end uses incur similar processing costs because they require the feedstock to be separated from other wastes, contaminants and fasteners removed, and uniform particle size achieved through grinding or chipping.
Markets for non-salvageable wood waste include:
- Feedstock for engineered woods
- Landscape mulch
- Soil conditioner
- Animal bedding
- Compost additive
- Sewage sludge bulking medium
- Boiler fuel
RATIONALE
Prior to 1990, there was limited recycling of wood waste in the United States. Today, EPA estimates there are more than 500 wood processing facilities across the country.
The EPA estimates that approximately six million tons of wood waste was generated in 2003. And according to the National Association of Home Builders Research Center, wood comprises 40 to 50 percent of new construction materials - the largest percentage of residential construction and demolition (C&D) waste.
EFFORT REQUIRED
Much of the wood waste that falls into this category will most likely be diverted by non-municipal means. C&D wood waste will be the contractor's responsibility along with other construction materials, and large trees and commercial materials will similarly be the responsibility of private haulers.
The city should be aware of these waste streams and take advantage of the diversion potential by providing clear channels and possible incentives to private haulers.
BENEFIT
- Divert valuable material from landfills
- Generate revenue from the sale of waste wood products
- Prevent release of methane
- Reduce the need for virgin lumber
- Save energy from extraction, processing, and transportation
ACTION AGENTS
- Environmental Management Department
- Solid Waste Management/Recycling Departments
- Public Works Department
- Parks Department
- Building Department
COST
Markets for recovered wood vary across the United States according to regional and local supply and demand. Mulch and fuel uses make up a large portion of the current market, and the EPA has documented a range of rates between $12 and $24 per ton for processed wood.
Waste disposal sites for solid waste from human activities.A mixture of decayed plants and other organic material that is used to enrich soil with nutrients.Unwanted elements that may reduce the quality of natural systems (air, water, land). The collection, reprocessing, marketing, and use of materials that were diverted or recovered from the solid waste stream.The ability or potential of a physical body to do work. The most common forms of energy are heat, light, mechanical (moving parts), and electrical.
