A variety of common materials can be recycled, from plastic and paper, to wood and glass. There are a wealth of reasons why recycling is important and why waste materials should be recycled if possible, and in this guide our recycling experts at SL Recycling give the main benefits of recycling wood.
See our previous recycling guide about the benefits of recycling cardboard.
When waste wood is created it is often stored in a skip which is then collected by a waste disposal company and taken to a materials recovery facility. At this facility waste wood is graded and sorted to be transported on for recycling or recovery if applicable. Wood that is not recycled will likely end up in landfill in which it has no benefit.
The construction and demolition sectors are the largest producer of waste wood; however, it is also created across industrial, commercial and household sectors. Across the world over 16 million tonnes of waste wood is created each year, and only 15% is recycled. In order to help the environment and receive the below benefits, it is critical that people across industries understand the importance of recycling wood.
Prevent Waste to Landfill
Landfill sites notoriously have many negative effectives on the local and global environment as well as people. If waste wood ends up in landfill it will contribute to harmful effects and have no practical use as it would with recycling. To avoid chemical leaching, bad odours, biodiversity loss and many more results of landfill, it is critical businesses and individuals divert as much waste as possible, including wood, away from landfill; zero-waste-to-landfill.
See more: What Are The Negative Effects of Landfill?
Create New Materials
This benefit may be an obvious one, but wood can be recycled into a variety of useful products and materials. Reusing planks of wood to create furniture or garden additions is a popular way for people to save wood from landfill. Recycled wood from construction or other sectors is used to create building materials, horse/poultry bedding, play areas surfaces, panel board feedstock and more. Across industries, recycled wood is used to create valuable products that would otherwise use virgin materials to create at a higher cost.
Recycle Most Types
Most wood can be recycled, making it a convenient material for businesses to recycle. From pallets to planks, wood waste created by businesses can and should be recycled. Here at SL Recycling we accept all grades of wood (A, B, C, D) for processing and recycling. Depending on its grade, wood may be recycled or used for different purposes. Usually, the ‘cleaner’ the wood, the more likely it will be recycled. Grade C is used to create biomass fuel.
Preserve Natural Resource
The more wood that is recycled, the less trees that have to be felled. Trees play a vital role in sustaining ecosystems, releasing oxygen and positively impacting the environment. Although wood provided by trees is considered sustainable as trees can be regrown, it takes many years to replant and replenish woodland to meet the level of demand.
Reduce Costs
Reprocessing recycled materials is far less costly in terms of materials, energy and money than using virgin materials. Additionally, recycling wood can be cheaper than landfill as tipping fees have increased over recent years to dissuade use.
Decrease Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Trees take in C02, a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming, and create oxygen. The preservation of trees is a critical issue in the fight to reduce global warming. Similar to above benefit, the added advantage of manufacturing with recycled wood is the energy saving compared to working with virgin materials, which also helps minimise emissions.
Prevent Fire Hazards
Waste wood laying around is a hazard. If wood waste is properly managed and recycled by experts using suitable equipment such as skips, fire risks are reduced.
Holistic Waste Management
Businesses that produce any type of waste have a legal responsibility to manage it in an environmentally friendly way. By properly recycling wood and engaging in waste management, businesses may better manage other waste streams and become more eco-friendly.
Achieve simple waste management tailored to your business’ needs and waste requirements with SL Recycling. Based in South Wales, SL Recycling provide services nationally to large organisations and small businesses alike, helping businesses to better manage their waste. From comprehensive waste management contracts to scrap metal recycling, we have the facilities, equipment and vehicles to help businesses with all waste streams.
Get in touch today to discuss your waste needs!
