With summer outdoor projects in the works, Mary Serra-White of Clarkston has a warning about the dangers of improper disposal of pressure treated wood.
“There are no exceptions to being environmentally conscious regarding disposal of pressure treated wood,” White said. “Also, if you don’t know the type of wood, it is best to err on the side on caution.”
Upon doing research regarding disposal of the wood, she found burning, shredding, or chipping pressure-treated wood, regardless of its age or amount of rot, is highly toxic.
“Even the ash is as toxic,” she said. “We recently replaced our deck boards, which were pressure treated and fairly rotted. While we knew it is unwise to burn pressure treated wood, we wondered if the toxicity was depleted when considering the age and how rotted the wood was. Apparently, the age and decay do not make a difference.”
She also reached out to the Fire Marshal Bruce Harbin.
“Please do not burn any treated wood. It is not allowed in the township,” Harbin said. “Specifically, any construction materials are not allowed to be burned. Only typical yard waste such as small limbs, twigs, bush clippings, and during the fall, leaves. Also you need a valid burn permit to burn yard waste. You can obtain a permit on line or at fire station #1 – 6500 Citation Drive.”
Pressure treated wood with Chromated Copper Arsenat, which was used from about 1938-1998, is arsenic based, according to a report by CBS News. Newer wood receives a copper-based treatment.
To dispose of pressure treated wood waste, take it to a lined landfill. Don’t bury it on your property.
“We want all of our neighbors to know about this danger because we don’t want our family, neighbors and wildlife to breathe it. We don’t want our well systems and soil to be poisoned,” White said.
– Phil Custodio