Recycle clean industrial scrap wood through shredding and chipping. End markets include animal bedding, compost and landscaping uses. Wood that is unsuitable for recycling can be processed for use as fuel.

For Recycling Re-Useable Dimensional Lumber, see Building Materials Reuse.
For disposal of Tree Waste, see Landscaping & Tree Waste.
For Reduction of Wood Pallets, see Pallets.

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Consider an Alternative

Businesses can reduce treated wood waste by choosing alternative materials such as metal for structural applications, plastic deck and docking materials, or rock and concrete blocks for landscaping.

When a treated wood product is required, look for wood treated with less toxic preservatives such as ACQ. While ACQ treated wood still must be disposed in a lined MSW landfill at the end of its useful life, its usage poses less of an environmental hazard than wood treated with the traditional chemical preservatives.

For more information on treated wood disposal and alternative products, call your county environmental office.

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Resources & Links

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Disposal Information

Treated Wood Waste

Wood for outdoor usage is commonly treated with one of four kinds of chemical compounds:

1. Chromated copper arsenate (CCA), ammoniacal copper zinc arsenate (ACZA, also known as "Chemonite"), or other arsenical preservative
2. Creosote, a tar like substance used for railroad ties and construction pilings
3. Pentachlorophenol (PCP or penta), typically used for telephone poles; or
4. Copper containing treatments which are formulated with less toxic materials such as ammoniacal copper quat (ACQ), copper azole or ammoniacal copper citrate.

In no case may treated wood of any kind be disposed in an unlined demolition landfill.

Generators producing treated wood waste must use Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) lined landfills as the only method for disposal.

Burning or incinerating treated wood is not authorized or recommended under any circumstance.

The only exception is creosote-treated wood, which may either be disposed in an MSW lined landfill or incinerated. However, if incinerated in Minnesota, creosote-treated wood must go to an industrial incinerator approved by the MPCA to accept this material. These incinerators burn at very high temperatures and use unique pollution control devices to control emissions and sufficiently minimize pollution.

Wood Waste Disposal Facilities

Facilities that accept treated wood and/or varieties if scrap materials such as pallets, lumber, particle board, plywood and wafer-board are listed in the Recycling & Disposal Sites section. Not all facilities accept the same materials. Call first for acceptance criteria, fees, quantities and any restrictions.