Sorting Scrap Wood: Recyclable and Non-Recyclable Types

Wood is one of the oldest and most natural construction materials known to humankind. In an age of nanotechnology and futuristic materials, it may be surprising that wood still comprises a significant portion of construction, especially in home and furniture design. Wood remains an unparalleled material for several reasons, including:

  • Strength-to-weight ratio
  • Flexibility
  • Aesthetic appeal
  • Renewable and relatively cheap sourcing

Wood also scores points in the construction world for being relatively easy to dispose of. It is naturally biodegradable and can often be recycled by wood shredder machines into secondary products.

However, not all wood is easy to scrap. Some types of wood have been altered to the point where they can no longer be made into wood chips or paper. If you’re starting a wood recycling business or need to dispose of wood regularly, knowing which types can and can’t be recycled is crucial for a smooth operation.

Recyclable Wood Types

Solid Wood

Solid wood from trees is the most easily recyclable type. It includes hardwoods (like oak, maple, and cherry) and softwoods (like pine, cedar, and fir). This wood can often be reused directly in construction or furniture-making or repurposed into mulch or wood chips. Solid wood is important to reuse, as the trees it comes from often take over 20 years to grow and, in some cases, are no longer cut down for construction at scale.

Plywood

Plywood is made of many thin layers of wood glued together. While it is more challenging to recycle than solid wood, it is still possible. Plywood often has nails or screws that must be removed before recycling. If the plywood is free of harmful coatings and adhesives, it can be processed into wood chips or used in composite materials like particle boards. It can also be mulched and then used in compost or as animal bedding.

Wood Pallets

Wood pallets could be described as the (heavily strained) backbone of the shipping and storage industry. Fortunately, workers can reuse pallets multiple times before they deteriorate. Once they reach the end of their life, they can be broken down into smaller pieces and recycled into mulch. However, pallets are often full of nails and staples, which are difficult to separate from the raw wood.

Wood Chips and Sawdust

Common byproducts of woodworking, wood chips and sawdust can be used to create composite wood panels or biomass for energy generation. Industries that use this “waste” to fuel kilns, help reduce the industry’s reliance on fossil fuels. Wood chips are also frequently used in landscaping, as they are a more natural product than weed mats or other weed deterrents.

Wood from Demolition Sites

Wood salvaged from demolition sites usually consists of a mix of the above wood types and can often be reused and recycled similarly. Scrap or leftover wood can be reclaimed and refurbished for new construction projects, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.

Non-Recyclable Wood Types

Treated Wood

Treated wood primarily comes from outdoor applications such as decks and fences. This type of wood has been chemically treated to resist rot, insects, and weathering. While this makes it last longer in its primary use, the chemicals used in treatment render treated wood non-recyclable. Disposal methods for treated wood often involve incineration or landfilling, depending on local regulations.

Engineered Wood Products

While some engineered wood products, like plywood, can be recycled, others, such as particleboard and MDF (medium-density fiberboard), are generally not recyclable. These products are made from wood fibers bonded together with adhesives that may release harmful substances during the recycling process. Often, these types of wood are made from recycled solid wood, so they aren’t too wasteful. Diverting these to landfills is the best option.

Contaminated Wood

Wood that is contaminated with paint or varnish cannot be recycled. Oil and solvents can clog recycling machinery and chemically alter wood structure. As in all recycling, it’s important not to mix contaminated wood with clean wood, or you risk everything becoming contaminated.

Composite Materials

Wood-plastic composites, commonly used for decking and outdoor furniture, combine wood fibers with plastic materials. This helps them withstand the elements, but it comes with a cost. It’s much more energy-intensive to separate and recycle these materials. Often it is not worth the effort.

Wood Recycling Machines

Different types of wood require different machines for recycling. Here are some key types of wood recycling machines:

Wood Shredders

Shredders are designed to handle a wider variety of wood waste, including secondary products like plywood and MDF, depending on the machine’s specifications. These machines use heavy-duty blades to tear wood into smaller pieces. Wood shredder machines are crucial for producing valuable end products like biomass fuel, compost, and wood chips.

Sawdust Collectors

Sawdust collectors capture and filter dust and fine particles generated during wood processing. Like an extractor fan, sawdust vacuums reduce waste while maintaining healthy air quality in workspaces. The collected sawdust can be repurposed for various uses, such as animal bedding or biomass fuel.

Bale Presses

Bale presses compact wood waste into manageable bales for easier transport and storage. These machines are useful for wood chips, shavings, and sawdust, allowing recyclers to optimize space and reduce handling costs.

Granulators

Granulators grind wood down into tiny particles or granules. Wood granulators are particularly useful for producing fine wood flour or recycling wood composites.

Conclusion

Sorting scrap wood into recyclable and non-recyclable types is essential for effective wood recycling operations. By understanding which wood types can be repurposed, businesses can focus on the most profitable niche in their area. Specific wood recycling businesses reduce environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Video

Sorting Scrap Wood: Recyclable and Non-Recyclable Types

Infographic

Wood is also gaining recognition in the construction industry for being relatively easy to dispose of. Different types of wood require specific machines for recycling. This infographic illustrates some key types of wood recycling machines.

4 Wood Recycling Machines Infographic

Most innovative solution in tire recycling!

EcoGreen just shred it

Search Blog

Recent Posts