Look for salvage or demolition services to get rid of lumber and other construction scraps. Waste management services usually offer home pick-up for yard waste and small pieces of wood. Look for specialty recyclers that handle pallets, home goods, or other types of wood.
Check the wood over to make sure it’s clean. Take apart any connected pieces so you can bundle it together after you ensure it is ready for recycling. Some places will take whole pieces of furniture and other items for recycling. For more information, check the rules of recycling services in your area.
Wood scraps from construction and demolition projects can be treated as yard waste and recycled as long as they are untreated and unpainted. If you wish to save big branches for yourself, rent a wood chipper from a hardware store. Use it to make mulch. Submit painted and treated wood whole, if possible, to avoid the hazards of cutting it. Furniture can also be difficult to dismantle, so try to find a place that accepts whole pieces.
During a home pickup, you should sort the wood according to the recycler’s specifications. That usually means putting yard waste into a paper waste bag, then tying sticks and boards together.
Treated wood and composites can be cut as long as you’re wearing a respirator mask and safety goggles. This kind of wood can’t be burned safely, however. Treated lumber often has a green tint and smells oily. Particleboard and other types of wood will look normal, but the glue and wood dust in them are still toxic.
To avoid having to deal with the paint, reuse the wood as is. Repurpose it or give it a fresh coat of paint. If you don’t plan on reusing painted wood, you will need to dispose of it in a landfill.
Treated wood is typically labeled, so look for an ink marking like “KD HT. ” If you’re uncertain about what kind of wood you have, keep it separate. Try taking it with you to a recycling facility and asking if they would accept it.
Salvage boards from old buildings, for example. As long as the boards aren’t rotting or otherwise damaged, they can be recycled. If you notice damage like rot or mold, cut it off. Throw away the ruined portion, then find a use for the scraps. Pallets can also be taken apart or sent to a recycling center. Most places take the good parts and use them to make new pallets.
Wood chips make good bedding for small animals like hamsters. It also can be used to pad outdoor playgrounds. Sawdust is great for absorbing spills. Sprinkle some over a fresh oil stain in your garage, for example. Another option is to make compost and put it in a compost bin made from wood scraps.
Refurbishing furniture takes some effort, but it can save you money in the long run. You won’t need to worry about transporting the old furniture and buying new pieces. If you’re not prepared to save furniture or another home good, keep in mind that recycling centers often accept them as long as they aren’t painted. However, reselling or donating them can be easier.
For instance, save wood items like toys or utensils. Many household items are painted and can’t be recycled, but they can be reused by someone who needs them. Try donating goods to a charity like Habitat For Humanity. They also accept building material at their ReStores.
Wood chips and other untreated woods work well as a fuel source. For your own safety, avoid burning chemically-treated wood. Biomass plants also will not accept treated wood. The ash from wood can also help your lawn or garden. Mix it into compost for a natural nutritional supplement.
