An industry evaluation of the reuse recycling, and reduction of spent CCA wood products.

Abstract

Over 6 billion board feet of lumber treated with chromated copper arsenate (CCA) is produced annually in the United States. Although the Environmental Protection Agency and most states currently allow disposal of spent CCA-treated wood products in landfills, it is possible that disposal may be restricted in the future. The objectives of this research were to identify the barriers that limit the use of spent CCA fiber in the wood composite industry and to recommend alternatives for this spent resource. A mail survey to wood composite manufacturers and personal interviews indicated that most respondents were not in favor of using this recycled product in conventional wood composite manufacturing. Their primary concerns were the safety of workers and environmental problems that may arise with composite products that are contaminated with treatment chemicals. Suggested uses from these respondents included fuel, specialty treated wood composites, and wood-nonwood composites. Based upon secondary literature, mail survey data, and personal interviews, recommendations and future research activities are suggested.