Web-based recycling “map” aims to boost wood waste recycling in the UK

Interactive resource allows wood waste producers access to details of over 400 collection and recycling facilities



The UK’s rapidly growing wood recycling industry now has an important new resource literally at its fingertips – an interactive web-based map to help producers of wood waste to identify collection and recycling services in their area.



The new free to use map and information service (http://www.recyclewood.org.uk) has been launched this week by WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme), and pinpoints the location of collection, reprocessing and recycling services for commercial and post consumer wood waste throughout the UK. By entering their postcode, producers of wood waste can identify the nearest services and facilities and access information on each service provider, including opening hours, collection radius, and the type of wood waste accepted. The website also provides information on recycled wood products and identifies manufacturers of these products in the UK.



The web-based initiative has the support of the Wood Recyclers Association (WRA) and the Wood Panel Industries Federation, who together represent the majority of the UK’s wood waste reprocessors and recyclers.



The UK produces approximately 2.0 million tonnes (t) of post-consumer wood waste each year, of which 800,000 tonnes is recycled, mostly into panelboard products. The level of wood waste recycling has grown substantially since the introduction of Producer Responsibility legislation for packaging waste in 1997 and WRAP’s remit under its wood programme is to stimulate a further increase in recycling levels and end markets.



“We anticipate that this new resource will help to significantly increase wood waste recycling in the UK,” says Tom Fourcade, head of WRAP’s wood programme. “WRAP has already identified more than 400 sites across the UK for wood waste collection or recycling, and the information on the website will put producers of wood waste, such as furniture manufacturers, in contact with recyclers quickly and easily.”



Businesses, organisations and local authorities that offer wood waste collection, reprocessing and recycling services but are not currently included on the map will be able to register their details free of charge on the website.



Useful information on the beleaguered Bristol (UK) battery recycling scheme from our colleagues at Letsrecycle.com (http://www.letsrecycle.com)