Research commissioned by WRAP – the Waste & Resources Action Programme – has revealed that local authorities could use recycled woodchip in a number of new landscaping applications.
The study at Redditch Borough Council showed that new uses equated to 16% – or 1,998m3 – of the authority’s total potential need for landscaping material.
Traditional uses of recylced woodchip such as plant bed mulching, pathway surfacing and play area covering make up 61% (7,455m3) of the potential requirement, but the research also identified 23% (2,734m3) of “other” previously unidentified or less obvious opportunities.
WRAP’s material development manager for wood Julia Turner said: “As well as helping local authorities meet their sustainability and environmental obligations, recycled woodchip – made from post consumer wood waste such as old pallets – is an extremely durable, cost-effective surfacing product, which reduces maintenance requirements such as weeding and watering.”
