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Treated Wood

Treated Wood
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Did You Know?
Treated wood contains toxic chemicals such as arsenic, a known carcinogen. Never burn treated wood and don't throw it in with the rest of your trash.
Treated lumber is saturated with chemical preservatives that inhibit fungal decay and extend the life of the wood, but some of the chemicals used are toxic. Select, use and dispose of treated wood carefully to protect your family's health and the environment.

Reduction Tips

Consider treated wood alternatives for your next outdoor constructionproject. Ask your lumberyard or home repair retailer for non-toxictreated wood options.

treated wood

Safer Alternatives

  • Redwood and Cedar, which are naturally resistant to pests and rot
  • Salvaged wood
  • Wood-plastic composite materials
  • Recycled plastic decking and construction boards
  • Stone and metal products
  • Wood treated with less toxic chemicals, such as ammoniacal copper quaternary (ACQ), copper azole or ammoniacal copper citrate

For more information, see the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's Treated Wood: Use, Disposal and Alternatives for Consumers factsheet.

Recycling & Disposal Information

Currently in the Twin Cities area, the only safe disposal option is taking treated wood to a lined landfill.
  • Your waste hauler may accept treated wood for landfill disposal. Call first for fees and material preparation requirements.
  • County household hazardous waste sites do not accept treated wood of any kind.

treated woodPlay it Safe

  • Never burn any type of treated, stained or painted wood in stoves, fireplaces, or recreational or cooking fires. The emissions and ash are toxic and very harmful especially to children and pets.
  • Never put treated wood sawdust in your compost pile or bin or on the ground.
  • Avoid breathing sawdust from treated wood.
  • Seal existing treated wood structures every two years with a penetrating sealant to prevent release of toxins.


For more information on the proper use and disposal of treated wood, contact your county (see links at right).

Disposal & Dropoff Sites

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1

Onyx/FCR Landfill

Accepts appliances, home construction items & treated wood.


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(including other items accepted)
175 County Road 37 NE
Buffalo
p: 320-963-3158
2

Pine Bend Landfill/BFI

Accepts appliances, bulky items, home construction items, household garbage, recyclables, scrap metal, tires & treated wood.


View more information
(including other items accepted)
2495 117th St E
Inver Grove Heights
p: 651-457-2778
This information is provided as a public service and is not intended to be an endorsement of any business, organization or service. For additional listings, check your local phone directory.

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