How to dispose of pressure-treated wood
Pressure-treated lumber from decks, fences and playsets is preserved with chemicals, so it can't be burned, composted or chipped into mulch. In most places it goes to a lined household-trash landfill or a transfer station that sends waste there.
How to do it
- Separate treated wood from clean lumber and brush, since many yard-waste sites refuse it.
- Cut it to the length your hauler or facility allows and pull out large hardware if required.
- Call the nearest landfill or transfer station to confirm they accept treated wood from residents, and ask about the fee and load limits.
- Cover and tie down the load. Many facilities charge extra or refuse uncovered loads.
- For big projects like a full deck removal, compare a dumpster rental or junk removal quote against the cost of several trips.
What to avoid
- Don't burn it in a fire pit, fireplace or wood stove. Smoke and ash from treated wood can contain toxic chemicals.
- Don't put it in compost, mulch or yard-waste piles.
- Don't reuse it for raised beds that grow food.
Facilities that commonly take treated wood (call to confirm)
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Common questions
Can you burn pressure-treated wood?
No. Burning treated wood can release chemicals from the preservative into the smoke and ash, and the US EPA advises against it. Take it to a landfill or transfer station instead.
Does the regular trash take treated wood?
Small amounts sometimes go out with household trash if cut to size, but many curbside programs limit construction debris. Check with your hauler or municipality.
Can I recycle treated wood?
Usually not. Most wood recyclers and mulch producers only accept clean, untreated wood.