Wood recycling in the UK is booming, according to new research from WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme).

But, with growing volumes of wood waste, WRAP says it’s important to maintain the progress that saw more than 1.2 million tonnes of wood waste being recycled in 2004.

Latest figures show wood recycling has increased a massive 85% since 1996, while end uses are also evolving. The amount of recycled wood being used in the ‘added value’ sector (bedding, mulches, surfaces etc), for example, has grown from 5% in 2003 to 14% last year.

The report – Wood waste arisings and management – shows the UK is producing over 10.5 million tonnes of wood waste each year. Panel board manufacture remains the main recycling route, taking nearly a million tonnes of post consumer wood waste in 2003.

&#8220We need to maintain the momentum in UK wood recycling as demand for wood-based products continue to grow”

Tom Fourcade, WRAP materials sector manager for wood

But, while the amount of wood waste recycled is growing, so too is the volume of wood waste, a fact attributed to the demands of the UK property market and a rise in the use of timber-framed houses, window frames, decking and flooring.

Tom Fourcade, WRAP’s materials sector manager for wood, said: “Ten years ago, there was no significant wood recycling taking place in the UK.

“However, in recent years we have made significant progress. It is extremely encouraging to see new markets open up, but we need to maintain the momentum in the coming years as demand for wood-based products continue to grow.”