How to Dispose of Pressure Treated Wood
Pressure-treated wood is used for building and gardening. It is often seen in play sets and decks and is used to build raised garden beds. It contains chromium, copper and arsenic (CCA). Pressure-treated wood can release these toxic chemicals so care should be taken to ensure the wood is disposed of safely.
- Difficulty:
- Easy
Instructions
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How to Dispose of Pressure-Treated Wood
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1
Check with your state's environmental protection agency on their regulations and advice on disposal of pressure-treated wood. You can find this information on your state's website.
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2
Put your pressure-treated wood out with the regular trash, but not yard waste, unless your local government says differently. The Environmental Protection Agency says, "CCA-treated wood can be disposed of with regular municipal trash (i.e., municipal solid waste, not yard waste)."
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3
Arrange for the pressure-treated wood to go to a lined landfill, if possible. A list of landfills can be found in the Yellow Pages online. Contact them for specific dumping information and fees.
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4
Replace the pressure-treated wood with naturally resistant woods, synthetic and composite wood products, and/or reused lumber.
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1
Tips & Warnings
The EPA warns that "homeowners should never burn CCA-treated wood or use it as compost or mulch."
