Used and Treated timber

Biomass from used and treated timber, sourced from building demolition, construction and discarded agricultural fence posts, is often unnecessarily sent to landfill.  In many cases, this material can be repurposed or recycled into energy fuel.

Consenting

Used and treated wood can be processed into a suitable fuel for combustion in appropriately designed heat plants. Technical Guide 9: Consenting for combustion of different solid biofuels has been published to support the consenting process.

Working Group

The Bioenergy Association has established a Working Group focused on recycling used and treated timber for energy fuel. This group brings together a full range of sector participants with commercial interests in timber recycling, alongside representatives from the Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association and the New Zealand Demolition and Asbestos Association.

The primary objective of the Working Group is to reduce the volume of used and treated timber being sent to landfill or facing disposal challenges. A key barrier identified is the lack of reliable data on timber sources, composition and sorting processes to support effective recycling.  Addressing this data gap will be the Group's top priority, as it is essential for all members.

Additionally, the Group will assess regional variations in boiler consenting rules for combusting used used and treated timber.  A study is proposed to identify regions where such fuel is permitted for energy generation.

Membership is open to consent authorities (free) and members of the Bioenergy Association. 

Information

Reports and resources on Recycling Used and Treated Timber for Energy Fuel are available through the Bioenergy Knowledge Centre. To access relevant documents, use the keyword "treated timber".

Future Work Programme

The Working Group has established a Work Programme aimed at increasing the use of treated and used wood as a sustainable energy fuel.