Waste producers are being urged to segregate their waste wood at source to ensure that as much as possible is recycled.
The Wood Recyclers’ Association (WRA) is encouraging those who produce or receive waste wood – such as waste management companies and local authorities – to remove contaminants and ensure material meets the specifications of their destination end markets.
In particular, the WRA is advising operators who would like their wood to be recycled, that they must remove MDF. This is important because the panel board sector – the UK’s largest recycler of waste wood – cannot accept MDF, as it causes processing problems and can lead to machinery blockages.
While this may not be possible at every site due to logistical constraints, the WRA says that separating out MDF can significantly increase recycling potential and improve environmental outcomes.
It also allows waste producers to work with multiple outlets, reducing reliance on a single processor or energy facility and providing more offtake options during periods of market volatility.
Mark Hayton, Chair of the WRA, said: “Over the past year market conditions have made it more challenging to find markets for waste wood. As a result, quality has become more important than ever with more offtake options for those producing a contaminant-free product which meets the necessary specifications of different end markets.”
He added: “In the panel board sector in particular, downtime is often caused by MDF, which can create blockages in machinery. Manufacturers could use more waste wood overall if they received MDF-free feedstock.”
Mark noted that many local authorities and waste management companies are now keen to supply both the panel board and biomass industries, but stressed that quality and correct segregation are essential.
He said: “If waste producers want to maximise recycling potential and help the environment, they need to keep wood suitable for recycling separate from other material.
“Focusing on quality and segregation gives producers the widest possible choice of outlets and helps protect against future market volatility,” he said.