TRADA presents wood waste guide

TRADA Technology has published a New Wood Information Sheet, 'Recovering and minimising wood waste', to help address the issues surrounding the wood waste generated in the UK each year.

It is estimated that 11 million tonnes of wood waste are generated in the UK each year - and 8 million of these go to landfill.

About half of the UK's waste wood is generated by the construction and demolition sector.

There are several reasons for reducing the volume of waste going to landfill, not least the probability that in many areas the availability of approved void space may run out in 5 - 10 years.

Also, targets set under the EU Landfill Directive require levels of biodegradable municipal waste entering landfill to drop, to 75% of the 1995 figure by 2010, to 50% by 2013 and to 35% by 2020.

If these targets are not met, the EU may fine the UK Government up to GBP180M per year.

One measure to discourage use of landfill is the landfill tax, which from April 2008 stands at GBP32 per tonne.

However, it is scheduled to increase by GBP8 per year until at least 2010 - 2011.

Companies will feel the pinch if they do not look into alternatives.

This new TRADA Wood Information Sheet examines various options for prevention and re-use of wood waste, reviews existing and anticipated legislation and offers guidance on best practice.

TRADA members may download a PDF of 'Recovering and minimising wood waste' free of charge and all visitors to the website can access the text in HTML format.

To purchase a copy, please contact TRADA, the cost to non-members is GBP12 plus postage and packing.

Back to top