Related links:

Wood Recyclers' Association Latest wood recycling figures (2007) Waste Wood as a Biomass Fuel - Defra report 2008 WRA wood packaging protocol

The UK generates an estimated nine million tonnes of waste wood each year, deriving from construction and demolition, commercial and industrial and household sources - including civic amenity sites. In 1996, less than 2% was recycled, but rising landfill costs and the Landfill Directive have seen this shoot up to around 22% (2007).*

Traditionally, the main outlet for clean, recycled woodchip has been the panel board industry, which uses the material in the production of chipboard. However, "value-added" markets such as animal bedding, equine surfacing and garden mulches have been steadily developing.

Dedicated biomass plants are also offering a rapidly-growing growing market for recycled woodchip. This demand is expected to grow considerably over the next few years as the government strives to generate more renewable energy and councils and waste management firm seek to divert lower-grade wood, which is not suitable for recycling, away from landfill.

PRNs

Reprocessed wood packaging - such as pallets - is eligible for support under the Packaging Waste Recovery Note System (PRN).

(*Source: WRA)