How to Recycle Pressure-Treated Wood
Deck boards, fence posts, landscape timbers, and other lumber preserved with chemical treatments, including older CCA-treated wood.
Quick answer
Do not put pressure-treated wood in clean-wood recycling, mulch, compost, or a burn pile. Reuse sound pieces where appropriate, then follow your state and local disposal rules for treated lumber; a C&D facility must confirm it accepts that specific material. Before you go, confirm that a local recycling center accepts the material in its current condition.
- Recycling route
- Special handling
How to Prepare
- 1Separate treated boards from untreated lumber and yard waste
- 2Keep identifiable labels or ask the contractor when the treatment type is unknown
- 3Call the local waste authority or C&D facility about accepted treated-wood loads
- 4Wear appropriate protection when handling splintered wood; do not burn or chip it
Where to Recycle
- Local C&D or transfer station that confirms treated-wood acceptance
- Municipal solid-waste route where state and local rules permit
- Suitable reuse of sound boards where allowed
Special Instructions
Older lumber may contain chromated copper arsenate or other preservatives. EPA says household disposal of some CCA-treated wood may use ordinary municipal solid waste, but state and local instructions can differ. Business-generated material may face different requirements.
Environmental Impact
Keeping treated wood out of mulch, soil, and fires prevents preservatives from being spread or inhaled. Reusing a safe, intact board can postpone disposal, but do not repurpose it for food-contact uses.
Official guidance and resources
Accepted items and drop-off rules can vary by location. Check the destination before you go.
What’s Accepted
Accepted
- Treated lumber through the locally approved waste route
Not Accepted
- Treated wood in clean-wood recycling
- Treated lumber burned outdoors or in a fireplace
- Wood chips or mulch made from treated lumber
FAQs
Can pressure-treated deck boards be mulched?
No. Keep treated wood out of mulch and compost because preservatives can move into soil.
Can I burn old treated wood?
No. Burning preservative-treated wood can release harmful chemicals in smoke and ash.
Related recycling guides
Recycle pressure-treated wood
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