The benefits of using treated wood and timber for outdoor landscaping are undeniable. The unique property within treated materials protects wood and timber from several issues such as rot, decay, borers, and termites. The combination of chemical preservatives within the wood is proven to extend its lifespan and treated timber can sometimes last as long as 30 or 40 years.
However, despite the benefits of treated wood and the fact using preservatives can help conserve trees, these materials can have detrimental impacts on the environment when not disposed of properly. Some chemicals used to preserve the wood are toxic, and when disposed of improperly, they are incredibly harmful to the surrounding environment.
This comprehensive guide will clarify what treated wood is and explain why proper disposal is so important. Additionally, we will provide practical tips and advice on how to dispose of wood and treated timber to minimise environmental harm.
Treated wood is created by taking natural wood and carefully infusing a specific set of chemicals to protect the wood fibres against termites, fungi, and fire. Applying chemical preservatives such as copper, chromium, and arsenic helps maintain the wood’s structure and integrity while significantly expanding its lifespan.
Treated wood is commonly used across Australia for landscaping projects such as outdoor decking because it maintains the aesthetic of a natural wood that so many people desire but does not require nearly as much maintenance and will last a lot longer.
However, treated wood does come with some disadvantages and concerns. The same chemicals used to protect the wood can be highly harmful to the environment when people do not handle them correctly. So, if you use treated timber for your garden at home, it is vital that you understand how to dispose of it properly when the time comes and take responsibility for doing so.
Disposing of treated wood and timber is about so much more than cost or convenience. The way you dispose of your materials has a significant impact on the environment and even sometimes on the health of your community and the people closest to you.
If you decide to get rid of your unwanted treated timber in a regular landfill, the preservative chemicals within the wood are burned, released into the air, and often leak into the surrounding soil. As you can imagine, this level of pollution can be devastating to our ecosystem, and the chemicals that seep into the ground can eventually make their way into our water supplies, creating a risk of illness or disease for anyone who drinks it.
Thankfully, you no longer need to rely on a regular landfill to dispose of treated wood or timber. In 2023, there are several sustainable alternatives that allow you to dispose of any waste or construction materials in an eco-friendly way that prevents this level of unnecessary pollution.
In simple terms – no. While it might seem like a simple and convenient solution for your barbecue or wood stove, burning pine or other timbers can be incredibly dangerous, and you should never do it.
Even using a small quantity of treated pine as firewood can harm your health. The fire’s intense heat causes the preservative chemicals within the pine to be released as toxic smoke, which you do not want to breathe in. This smoke will quickly contaminate the air quality in the vicinity and cause harm to everyone that breathes it.
So far, we have clearly outlined why it is vital to dispose of treated wood safely and why you must never burn treated timber. Now, we want to outline how you can safely dispose of treated timber and wood.
As sustainable rubbish removal specialists in Sydney, we know a thing or two about efficient, environmentally friendly disposal. Here are three options available to minimise pollution and dispose of your treated wood properly:
As with most materials in your home or garden, it is always good to assess and consider whether the treated wood can be reused or recycled. You will need to evaluate your situation and the condition of the treated timber. However, if it is still in good condition, you can repurpose the wood for other projects such as fencing, decking or outdoor furniture.
It is also crucial to consider where you will reuse or recycle the treated materials. As we mentioned, the chemicals used to preserve the wood can be dangerous. So, if you plan to recycle your treated timber, ensure you do not use it in environments where food is handled or where your children will be playing.
If you cannot reuse the treated wood, you must dispose of the materials in a legitimate, designated local waste facility. These facilities are equipped to handle and process treated wood safely and ethically, to ensure the chemicals within the preservatives are correctly managed and do not cause any harm to the environment.
Different waste facilities will have different rules and regulations regarding how they process treated wood, precisely what they will accept and how they would like to receive it. If you decide to go this route, contact the facility beforehand to check this with them and prepare the timber as needed.
We understand that this can all sound daunting. You have treated wood or timber at home, and you’re trying to do the right thing to dispose of it in an environmentally friendly way, but it is confusing to figure out. That’s where a professional rubbish removal company comes in.
When you opt for an experienced rubbish removal company like Ridly to dispose of your treated timber, it removes all the stress from you and provides peace of mind that you are not causing any harm to the environment or the people closest to you. As Sydney’s premier rubbish removal company, we have years of experience and relevant industry knowledge to handle treated wood safely, efficiently, and sustainably.
At Ridly, we bring the best rubbish removal services in Sydney to you. Our rubbish removal experts understand the nuances of local regulations and how to handle treated wood and toxic materials properly. No matter the size of your treated timber, we can take care of it for you with our friendly, efficient, and reliable service. Most important, we can take your treated wood and dispose of it safely and sustainably.
Safely disposing of treated timber is not just a choice but a responsibility, whether you need to dispose of wood in a commercial operation or at home. It is all our responsibility to look after our environment and make a commitment to future generations with our waste disposal habits. Reach out to Ridly today and let us take care of your treated wood and timber.
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