Plastic Lumber
Overview
Plastic lumber, made from recycled plastics, is commonly used for a variety of different purposes. Applications include decking, retaining walls and playground equipment. Recycled plastic lumber is recognized as an environmentally preferable alternative to hardwoods from endangered forests and a non-toxic substitute to pressure-treated wood. Recycled plastic lumber is also highly regarded among the discarded consumer plastics market because the use of plastic lumber helps keep materials out of landfills and incinerators. Recycled plastic lumber helps to reduce the consumption of natural resources, thereby reducing the impacts that resource extraction can have on human health and the environment.
| Close the Loop: Minnesota has one of the largest recycled plastic lumber industries. Public and private recycling programs provide the plastic material used to manufacture the final product - making the recycled plastic lumber industry a closed-loop system! |
Laws & Guidelines
Minnesota Statute 16B.121 encourages state agencies to purchase recycled materials when feasible and when the price of the recycled materials does not exceed the price of nonrecycled materials by more than ten percent.Performance
The performance of recycled plastic lumber depends on the type and amount of materials used, as well as the process utilized in materials production. This type of lumber can be used instead of wood when manufacturing many products; however the two do have different physical and mechanical properties. Time and temperature determine the properties of plastic lumber. Dimensional changes from temperature are greater in plastic lumber than in wood, while wood experiences dimensional instability with water contact. Despite these differences, recycled plastic lumber offers many advantages over wood products. Advantages include:
- Rarely cracks or splinters
- Resists rot, mildew and termites
- Weather and graffiti resistant
- Unaffected by bacteria, worms, insects, fungi or rodents
- Can be painted or stained when wood or other natural fiber is incorporated
- Provides good shock-absorbing surface for pedestrian traffic
- No waterproofing, staining or regular maintenance required
- Is long lasting, sometimes lasting more than 50 years, depending on the product
- Is sold in a variety of standard dimensional sizes, colors and textures
- Is aesthetically pleasing. Can be manufactured to meet different designs and appearance specifications.
Availability
The market for plastic lumber is increasing quickly. Plastic lumber first emerged in the late 1980's. Since then, plastic lumber products have gone through a great deal of developmental advancements that have helped enhance their performance, reduce their prices, and increase their availability. Manufacturing of these products has improved the mechanical properties of current products.
Many projects can be completed with plastic lumber including decking, marine docks, retaining walls, bridges, railroad ties, pallets, playground equipment, animal stalls, and sound barriers.
Cost
Recycled plastic lumber costs about 20-50 percent more than wood; however return on investment ranges from two to four years when reduced maintenance and replacement costs are considered. Recycled plastic lumber may also be reused. In addition, many manufacturers offer free replacement for planks that crack or splinter, and guarantee their product to last up to 50 years. Prices of recycled plastic lumber are expected to decrease as demand increases and technology improves, while wood prices are expected to continue increasing.
Specifications
Consider incorporating the following specifications into your next bid for recycled plastic lumber:
- Recycled plastic lumber must meet ASTM D6662 "Standard Specification for Polyolefin-Based Plastic Lumber Decking Boards".
- Recycled plastic lumber must meet the US EPA's Comprehensive Purchasing Guidelines for post-consumer recycled content and total recovered content in plastic lumber.
Vendors
Bedford Technology
Worthington, MN
507/372-5558
www.plasticboards.com
Offers a full line of recycled plastic products including lumber, pilings, site furnishings (benches, seats and tables), signs, parking curbs/speed bumps, sheeting, and roofing items.
Master Mark Plastics
Albany, MN
800/535-4838
www.mastermark.com
One of the largest and most experienced recyclers of HDPE plastics. Offering Rhino Deck, lawn & garden, master lattice, and landscape edging products.
By the Yard
Jordan, MN
952/492-2777
www.bytheyard.net
A manufacturer of maintenance-free outdoor patio furniture and accessories from recycled plastic.
Resources
Success Stories
Less Hazardous
When used in suitable applications, plastic lumber offers an excellent alternative to chemically treated wood because it does not leach toxic chemicals into the soil or water. For more information about potential alternatives, refer to "Treated Wood."
Recycled Content
Recycled-content lumber can contain as much as 100% post-consumer plastic or a blend of recycled plastic and recycled wood waste. Buying recycled-content lumber conserves energy and keeps plastic waste out of landfills and incinerators.Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Guide published by the Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board, 4/00. The SWMCB includes members from the Minnesota metropolitan counties of Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, and Washington, with ex-officio members from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
Last Revised May 15, 2009 - 10:43am