Wood Waste Disposal & Recycling Guide 2025

Separate clean wood from C&D, avoid treated wood contamination, and lower disposal costs with recycling where available.

Updated: March 15, 2025
7 min read

Separate Streams to Save

Clean wood often has better recycling options, while treated wood requires special handling. Keeping materials separated and dry reduces disposal costs and increases diversion.

Wood Waste Streams and Best Handling

Stream
Disposition
Notes
Clean Dimensional LumberMulch / BiomassKeep free of paint/metal for best acceptance
PalletsRepair / MulchSeparate; some vendors pay for large volumes
Painted/Stained WoodLimited RecyclingVaries by processor; may be mixed C&D
Treated Wood (CCA/ACQ)Special HandlingOften landfill only; follow local rules

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Wood Waste FAQs

Answers to the most common questions about this topic

Generally no—most markets do not accept treated wood for mulch/biomass. Follow local disposal requirements.
Separate clean wood from mixed C&D, keep material dry, and remove metal when practical to improve acceptance.
Some do with restrictions. Check local acceptance lists—painted/engineered wood often ends up as mixed C&D.

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