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Your options for recovering wood wastes

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What's the problem?

We are wasting our resources. Over 7.5 million tonnes of wood wastes are produced each year in England and Wales and more than six million tonnes (80 per cent) are landfilled.

There are big environmental benefits possible from improving the recovery of these wood based materials and wastes. This includes recovering material and energy from the wastes. At the moment, as most wood based wastes are being landfilled, we’re losing these opportunities. This is one reason why Defra’s Waste Strategy 2007 for England identifies wood waste as a key material on which to focus.

Some suppliers are promoting Air Curtain Incinerators (ACIs) or Air Curtain Burners as a practical and cost-effective solution for wood based materials. This includes materials from land clearance and demolition. However, despite the suggested benefits, it is very difficult for plants like these to meet regulatory standards. If you open burn wood in ACIs, you lose the energy value of the wood.

Solutions

You should segregate wood waste and wood-based materials into virgin wood and waste wood at the point of production. At the very least this will help to reduce the regulatory controls that apply to mixed loads. You should also identify what local recovery or recycling facilities are available in your area.

There may be local businesses or organisations that can use wood based materials in a manufacturing or recycling process. The Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) can give you more information.

 

If there isn’t a viable recovery option, you should dispose of wood wastes according to Environment Agency guidance.

Other sources of information

  • Wood Recyclers Association

    Information and advice on wood recycling and recovery.

  • NISP - National Industrial Symbiosis Programme

    NISP is an innovative business opportunity programme that brings together companies from all business sectors to improve cross industry resource efficiency. Phone 0121 433 2650.

  • Envirowise

    Free, independent, confidential advice and support on practical ways to increase profits, minimise waste and reduce environmental impact. Helpline: 0800 585794.

  • Contact us

    Details of how to contact the Environment Agency.