Treated wood contains toxic chemicals such as arsenic, a known carcinogen. Never burn or throw away any treated wood with your trash.
Reduction Tips
Consider treated wood alternatives for your next outdoor construction project. Ask your lumberyard or home repair retailer for non-toxic treated wood options.
SAFER ALTERNATIVES
- Redwood and Cedar, which are naturally resistant to pests and rot; salvaged wood is worth considering
- Salvaged wood
- Wood-plastic composite materials
- Recycled plastic decking and construction boards
- Stone and metal products
- Wood treated with less toxic chemicals, such as ammoniacal copper quaternary (ACQ), copper azole or ammoniacal copper citrate
For more information, see Treated Wood: Use, Disposal and Alternatives for Homeowners on the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency web site. For additional alternatives to using treated wood, visit Reduce.org (hosted by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency).
Disposal Information
Currently in the Green Guardian Twin Cities area, the only safe disposal option is taking treated wood to a lined landfill.- Your waste hauler may accept treated wood for landfill disposal. Call first for fees and material preparation requirements.
- Some landfills and transfer stations accept treated wood for a fee. See below to find one near you.
- County household hazardous waste sites do not accept treated wood of any kind.
PLAY IT SAFE
- Never burn any type of treated, stained or painted wood. The emissions and ash are toxic and very harmful especially to children and pets.
- Never put treated wood sawdust in your compost pile or bin or on the ground.
- Avoid breathing sawdust from treated wood.
- Seal existing treated wood structures every two years with a penetrating sealant to prevent release of toxins.
For more information on the proper use and disposal of treated wood, contact your county.
This information is provided as a public service and is not intended to be an endorsement of any business, organization or service. For additional listings, check your local phone directory.