Market conditions in the UK waste wood sector remain challenging, according to the Wood Recyclers’ Association (WRA), with continued high stock levels and constrained outlets for material.
While conditions have improved since the unprecedented disruption seen in 2025, the market has yet to fully recover and high volumes continue to be reported across the UK.
The situation has left many wood recyclers with no choice but to limit the volumes they can accept and carefully manage stock levels, particularly where storage capacity is becoming stretched.
This has made it difficult for some suppliers to find suitable outlets for their waste wood and has put upward pressure on gate fees.
The current market imbalance stems from the disruption of 2025, when unplanned outages and planned maintenance at major biomass and panel board facilities reduced demand and led to a significant build-up of stock.
Although demand improved over winter, increasing waste wood arisings and seasonal downtime at end-use facilities saw volumes rise again in summer 2026.
The dry summer has also lowered the moisture content of waste wood, meaning both the biomass and panel board sectors require less material to meet demand.
Stock levels are gradually reducing but, in many areas, remain well above normal levels and the market continues to feel the effects of an extended period of oversupply.
This market pressure comes at a time when wood recyclers are also facing increasing operational costs, including higher fuel prices and the additional reporting requirements associated with Digital Waste Tracking.
Julia Turner, Executive Director of the WRA, said: “While conditions are better than they were last year, there remains more material in the market than normal and outlet capacity remains tight.
“Many recyclers are working hard to keep material moving, but high stock levels mean some sites continue to restrict intake, which can make it more difficult for those seeking outlets for their waste wood.”
The WRA is encouraging organisations producing waste wood to segregate material wherever possible and focus on quality.
Julia said: “With so much waste wood about, contaminant-free material meeting end-market specifications will have access to the widest range of outlets. Good segregation practices can help waste wood move more efficiently through the supply chain.”
With waste wood storage under pressure, the WRA is advising businesses affected to speak to their local regulatory officer or, in England, apply for additional storage allowances under RPS 361.
The WRA continues to monitor market conditions and work with regulators across the UK to support the sector through this challenging period.