Everything you need to know about scrap wood recycling

Wood is an invaluable resource that can be recycled to produce a wide range of products – from furniture to animal bedding, and everything in between. However, this growing demand for wood production has led to the depletion of our forests, causing a devastating impact on the planet. 

The good news is that it’s now easier than ever to recycle unwanted materials, including wood. Discover all about what constitutes “wood waste” and the process involved in recycling wood with our handy guide below.

Is wood recyclable?

This is one of the most common questions we are asked here at McCarthy Marland. Yes, wood can be recycled! Since it’s grown organically, “clean” wood is able to naturally decompose or can be reused to create other products; for example plasterboard for construction work or pulp for producing paper. Alternatively, scrap wood can be burned to produce biomass (a renewable energy source).

However, some wood is not recyclable, depending on which grade it falls into. More on that below…

Can you put wood in the recycling bin?

Wood waste is not accepted in your general household recycling bin. However, your local Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) will gladly take your wood for recycling. Many waste management companies, such as McCarthy Marland, will collect any waste wood from your premises and process this for recycling on your behalf.

What is waste wood?

Waste wood refers to any wood-based products that are no longer needed. This waste can be grouped into one of four classifications:

• Grade A: “Clean” wood. This is non-processed, uncontaminated wood from pallets, crates and packaging waste. It is highly recyclable and can be used to produce chipboard, animal bedding, or biomass fuel.
• Grade B: Industrial feedstock. This includes all materials within grade A, plus waste from construction or demolition sites. Grade B wood waste can be recycled to make panelboard.
• Grade C: Fuel grade. Wood waste from chipboard or fibreboard that has been mixed with other materials such as plastic or glass falls into this category. It can then be recycled into wood pellets or burned to produce biomass.
• Grade D: Hazardous waste. Dark-looking treated wood that has been contaminated with creosote or chlorophenols, such as fencing and trackwork, is classed as hazardous. This type of wood cannot be recycled and requires waste disposal at a specialist facility.

How is wood recycled?

Wood recycling involves collecting wood waste and processing it into new materials. When scrap wood is collected, it is taken to a recycling plant and separated into categories. This is then processed to extract potential contaminants, such as nails or metal. The newly processed wood is placed in a wood shredder and broken down into smaller pieces. 

Larger pieces of recycled wood can then be reused to make furniture, whilst smaller fibres may be used to produce animal bedding.

The benefits of wood recycling

Protect the environment

By choosing to reuse recycled materials within your construction or demolition project, you’ll help to protect our forests from further damage. Less trees will need to be cut down, which are vital in producing all-important carbon dioxide.

Reduce waste sent to landfill

Recycling your scrap wood equals less waste sent to landfill. This allows you to cut down on hefty landfill taxes, make more space in your regular waste bins, and prevents an unsustainable approach to construction waste management.

Prevent fire risks

Piles of wood waste can present a fire hazard. Free up space and lower the risk of a fire breaking out on your land by taking your wood waste to an experienced waste collection or skip hire company.

Improve your reputation

Many modern consumers now look to partner with companies who openly adhere to green practices. Showing that you engage in wood recycling practices will help improve your business’ reputation, leading to a potential increase in customers.

Recycle your scrap wood with McCarthy Marland

Do you expect to produce excess amounts of wood waste within your upcoming construction or demolition project? McCarthy Marland accepts a wide variety of wood waste including pallets, timber, fencing, furniture and wood off-cuts. We offer a range of skips and container sizes to transport your wood waste to one of our transfer stations, before being recycled into chipboard or biomass fuel. Contact us to find out more about our reliable wood recycling services.