Treated Wood

Green-treated wood is saturated with chemical preservatives and pesticides, some of which are toxic. Select, use and dispose of treated wood carefully to protect your family's health and the environment.

Treated wood contains toxic chemicals such as arsenic, a known carcinogen. Never burn or throw away any treated wood with your trash.

Reduction Tips

Consider treated wood alternatives for your next outdoor construction project. Ask your lumberyard or home repair retailer for non-toxic treated wood options.

SAFER ALTERNATIVES

• Redwood and Cedar, which are naturally resistant to pests and rot; salvaged wood is worth considering
• 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 Treated Wood: Use, Disposal and Alternatives for Homeowners on the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency web site. For additional alternatives to using treated wood, visit Reduce.org (hosted by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency).

Disposal Information

Currently in the Green Guardian 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.
• Some landfills and transfer stations accept treated wood for a fee. See below to find one near you.
• County household hazardous waste sites do not accept treated wood of any kind.

PLAY IT SAFE

• Never burn any type of treated, stained or painted wood. 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.

• Anoka County
• Carver County
• Dakota County
• Hennepin County
• Ramsey County
• Washington County