Changes to Wood Waste Regulations in 2023

Stay up to date on the latest developments and changes to regulations in wood waste regulations. The Wood Recycling Association (WRA) has conducted a series of examinations resulting in the withdrawal of the Regulatory Position Statement (RPS) 250, changing the way that several types of wood waste need to be classified and handled.

Find out more about the changes in regulation and how they might affect you >

An estimated 4.5-4.6 million tonnes of waste wood is generated in the UK each year from construction, demolition and across industrial, commercial and household sources. This is a staggering amount and highlights the need to manage this waste effectively and sustainably.

Wood is a valued material, extremely versatile in its possible uses, durable and renewable – provided replanting schemes are in place. Trees perform instrumental carbon absorption during their lifetimes and promote oxygen levels. Recycling wood not only helps to reduce harmful landfill waste, it helps reduce the need to fell trees significantly.

Here at ETM Recycling we endeavour to reduce the amount of waste taken to landfill and facilitate recycling as much as feasibly possible. We’ve put together this helpful guide to wood recycling and its benefits to raise awareness of the importance of recycling.

Wood Recycling

How is Wood Recycled?

When waste wood is collected, either from mixed waste or segregated wood skips, the contents are taken to a Materials Recycling Facility (MRF). At the facility, the waste wood is separated, sorted and graded on a scale from A (good condition) to D (harmful). The wood is then transported elsewhere to be repurposed or recycled.

There are many uses for recycled wood such as chipboard or MDF, animal bedding, or mulch for gardening and landscaping. Recycled wood is increasingly being used for energy, with many commercial premises such as schools using woodchip of pellet heating systems. Burning recycled wood for energy is considered carbon neutral due to the large quantities of carbon dioxide absorbed by trees.

What Wood can be Recycled?

Comprehensive MRFs will be able to recycle a majority of wood products. Here at ETM Recycling we can recycle:

  • All soft and hard woods
  • Pallets
  • Off-cuts, boxes, packing cases
  • Floorboards
  • Chipboard
  • Plywood
  • MDF
  • Hardboard

We sort up to 80 tonnes of wood a day through our industry leading MRF. If you are looking to recycle in South West England, contact ETM Recycling.

Check out our wood recycling services >

Benefits of Recycling Wood

  1. Reduced Landfill

The more wood that is recycled, the less ends up in landfill. Not only does the wood get a new purpose, but the damaging contributions to landfill and its harmful effects are reduced. Landfill sites are notoriously destructive to the local environment through air and water pollution.

At ETM Recycling we are incredibly proud of our commitment to reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfill. Our state-of-the-art MRF is a zero waste to landfill plant and we continuously strive to maintain our minimal output.

  1. Reduced Spend on Material Processing

It is far cheaper for manufacturers to use recycled materials when producing products. Virgin materials require higher levels of energy to extract and process, whereas with recycled materials, much of this has already been complete. For example, making paper from pulped recycled paper uses 40% less energy than making it from virgin wood fibres, creating large savings in energy spend.

  1. Save Trees

Due to the lengthy manner in which trees grow and reach maturity, replanting schemes are not enough to make up for felled wood. By recycling wood, less trees need to be felled, allowing for more carbon dioxide absorption and replacement trees to grow. Reducing stress on the process of gathering and treating wood can be beneficial to oxygen levels and healthy ecosystems.

  1. Fire Risk

Having large piles of wood waste on premises could be detrimental if fire broke out. Waste must be properly managed and disposed of effectively, especially flammable materials such as wood. Talk to professional waste management services for advice on how to best dispose of waste.

Find out more about ETM’s waste management services >

  1. Many Uses

Recycled wood has many uses and is therefore a great material to recycle. Instead of requiring rigorous treatment or multiple specialised processes, there are many relatively simple ways to repurpose and recycle wood.

  1. New Opportunities

Companies that actively promote eco-friendly principles are praised by customers and accrediting bodies alike. Introducing new measures to increase recycling or use recycled materials is sure to please environmentally conscious consumers looking to support companies deemed ‘green’ and ‘sustainable’. Those who encourage wood recycling benefit from environmental considerations and consumer approval.

Wood Recycling with ETM Recycling

Our industry leading facilities put Bristol at the forefront of the recycling industry. Sorting and grading up to 80 tonnes of wood a day through our MRF, ETM are experienced in recycling a great many materials. We can sort materials from mixed waste skips as well as hire out segregated wood skips. At ETM we strive to reduce the amount of waste ending up in landfill and are proud to be working towards 100% materials recycled.

If you would like assistance with waste management, skip or grab hire, or wood recycling, speak to ETM Recycling. Our expert team can ensure your waste is disposed of in the most efficient way possible.

Contact ETM Recycling today.