Recycling is hugely beneficial for the planet. Aside from reducing waste, it can also help you save money and support businesses in promoting sustainable practices.
This being said, you’re probably already aware of the importance of recycling plastic. However, other materials, such as wood, are also readily recyclable. Common examples of recyclable timber are dimensional lumber, stumps, and untreated wood.
If you plan to recycle wood, you should take particular factors into account, including its previous use, size, and condition. For instance, wood that has undergone chemical treatment, been stained, painted, or contaminated is often not appropriate to be recycled. Thus, it should be disposed of properly or dropped off to facilities recycle treated wood.
Here’s how you can recycle wood waste, such as yard waste, household items, and untreated wood:
Prepare them for curbside pickup
Many communities now provide curbside yard collection services for residents. Specific regulations vary depending on the location, so be sure to check with your particular municipality. Moreover, it’s essential to organize and bundle your wood waste properly to help the collectors.
Drop them off to recycling facilities
If you have done some home improvement projects that left you with scraps of lumber, you can bring them to civic amenity sites or municipal recycling centers that take in wood. Some private companies accept wood waste for manufacturing home goods and garden products. You can also donate it to nonprofit stores that specialize in home renovations.
Donate or hold a garage sale
Toys, kitchen items, and furniture pieces that are not damaged can be given to neighbors or friends. If you know someone who just moved, offering them a set of furniture for their living room or patio will be appreciated. Alternatively, you can donate to charitable organizations or thrift stores. You can also hold a garage sale to offset a portion of their initial purchase costs.
Make new items using scraps
Wood scraps can also be reused to make new items, such as kitchen tools or furniture. If you have the skills, why not try to make a small chair, picture frame, or a mug coaster? Not only will you help out the environment; you’ll also have a beautiful object to add to your interior décor.
Use wood waste for your garden
You can also chip wood debris and use it to cover your landscape. Wood chips make ideal mulch for your garden beds. Also, you can add wood shavings and sawdust to a compost heap or pit.
Wood is an excellent source of carbon-dense material that can help aerate soil piles and serve as nutrition for good bacteria that synthesize organic matter.
Opt for recycled wood
Instead of buying virgin lumber, it’s more environmentally friendly to choose salvaged or recycled wood. You can also score free timber of high quality from old barns, remodeling contractors, and excavators.
For wood products, buy from suppliers that produce eco-friendly furniture and decorative accessories. Another vital thing to do when shopping for wood is to look for a certification mark. This signifies that the wood is harvested through sustainable forestry methods.
By recycling wood, you’re not only reducing waste but also the need to cut more trees. Remember, acting diligently and positively to conserve forests and timber resources is a mandate to all citizens.
