Wood recycling
How to Recycle Wood Chips & Sawdust
Fine wood particles, sawdust, wood shavings, and chips generated from sawmill operations, woodworking, furniture manufacturing, and tree care services. These materials are valuable for composting, animal bedding, biomass fuel, and mulch production, though contamination from treated lumber or finishes can limit recycling options significantly.
RecyclablePremium hardwood sawdust $30-60 per ton, mixed species chips $15-30 per ton, bulk mulch material $10-20 per ton, animal bedding $25-50 per ton depending on quality and speciesUpdated Jun 2026
Quick answer
Yes, if untreated. Wood chips and sawdust from clean wood make excellent mulch, compost 'browns,' and animal bedding. Use them in the garden or add them sparingly to compost; never reuse chips or dust from treated, painted, or engineered wood, which carry chemicals.
- Recyclable
- Yes
- Typical value
- Premium hardwood sawdust $30-60 per ton, mixed species chips $15-30 per ton, bulk mulch material $10-20 per ton, animal bedding $25-50 per ton depending on quality and species
- Donate / take-back
- Available
How to Prepare
- 1Verify all wood sources are untreated - no pressure-treated lumber contamination
- 2