Grade C

Grade C waste wood, also known as municipal waste wood, offers a valuable opportunity for biomass installations and panel board manufacturing in controlled volumes. This type of waste wood comprises treated and non-hazardous materials, making it suitable for various applications. In this article, we will explore the characteristics and typical sources of Grade C waste wood, emphasizing its potential markets and highlighting its compliance with waste management regulations. 

Grade C waste wood primarily consists of treated and non-hazardous materials, presenting a mix of wood and other components. This type of waste wood may include materials similar to Grade A waste wood, such as solid softwood and hardwood, building and demolition materials, and domestic furniture made from solid wood. Additionally, it may contain flat-pack furniture made from board products and DIY materials. 
Prior to processing, Grade C waste wood may contain nails, metal fixings, paints, coatings, glues, paper, plastics, rubber, glass, and grit. It may also include coated and treated timber, excluding CCA (chromated copper arsenate) or creosote-treated wood. 

Grade C waste wood is derived from a wide range of industries and operations involved in wood product manufacturing, distribution, retailing, packaging, and secondary manufacture. The typical sources of raw materials for recycling Grade C waste wood include: 

  1. Wood Product Manufacturing: Waste wood generated during the production processes of wood products, such as furniture, doors, windows, and board products, contributes to the Grade C waste wood stream. 
  2. Distribution and Retailing: Wooden packaging waste from distribution and retailing operations, including crates, pallets, and other packaging materials, adds to the Grade C waste wood supply. 
  3. Construction and Demolition Operations: Grade C waste wood originates from construction and demolition activities. This includes discarded wood materials from building sites and demolished structures. 
  4. Joinery and Pallet Reclamation: Joinery and pallet reclamation processes are also sources of Grade C waste wood. These activities involve working with wood materials and produce waste wood suitable for recycling. 
  5. Municipal Collections, Transfer Stations, and HWRCs: Grade C waste wood is collected from municipal waste collections, transfer stations, and Household Waste Recycling Centers (HWRCs). This ensures the inclusion of waste wood from households and public spaces. 

Grade C waste wood is predominantly suitable for use in biomass installations compliant with the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) Chapter IV. It serves as a valuable feedstock for renewable energy generation. With proper processing and blending, it can be used for panel board manufacturing. This allows for controlled volumes of waste wood to be incorporated into the production of particle boards, medium-density fiberboards (MDF), and other board products.