According to the WRA, stockpiles continue to build across the country and many operators have been forced to pause or restrict their intake.
The situation may take several months to stabilise, despite some facilities resuming operations following a series of shutdowns earlier in the year.
Vicki Hughes, Technical Lead on the WRA Board, commented: “It is still really tough in the waste wood market.
“We had hoped the situation would improve after the summer, and while some sites reopening did help, new breakdowns and extended shutdowns have left everyone with too much material.
“This is a UK-wide, unprecedented situation affecting recyclers across the country. We urge those looking to offload waste wood to be patient, as recyclers are working hard to keep material moving where possible.”
Disruption to wood market since March
The pressure began in March 2025 when several of the UK’s largest users of waste wood, including biomass plants and panel board manufacturers, were hit by a combination of planned maintenance shutdowns and unexpected outages.
These disruptions sharply reduced demand for waste wood, just as volumes began to rise seasonally.
The traditionally higher summer inflows of waste wood further compounded the problem, while demand remained muted.
In June, the Environment Agency (EA) stepped in, temporarily allowing sites in England to exceed their permitted storage limits for certain wastes, including waste wood destined for incineration.
The move offered temporary relief, but the WRA said continued outages have kept the market under strain.
These outages currently include two Eggers sites, West Fraser and Kronospan.
By contrast, 2024 saw a strong year for the sector, with 96% of waste wood processed for reuse, recycling, or recovery.
October wood prices
Most gate fees for waste remained very high in October 2025, but capacity constraints meant many recyclers were unable to accept further material.
Most operators are currently only fulfilling existing contracts, with very few able to take on spot loads.
The South East was in a slightly better position due to the Tilbury Green Power facility returning to service, although prices remained elevated.
Some recyclers are exploring export options to Europe, but this is largely not in play yet.
Hughes added: “Many sites have been forced to close their gates or restrict intake, even to contracted customers.
“Even in the South East – typically a strong market – facilities are full, and some are now looking to export material where possible.”
Find out more about wood prices in our October market report.
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