As of January 1, 2021, treated wood waste (TWW) is considered hazardous waste. 

Treated wood is wood that has gone through a chemical preservative process to make it resistant against pests, microorganisms, fungi, and several weather conditions. These preservatives often include one or more of the following constituents: arsenic, chromium, copper, pentachlorophenol, and creosote. Treated wood is typically used in exterior applications where ground or water contact is likely.  Natural wood that is painted or has a surface finish such as lacquer, shellac, polyurethane, or varnish does not qualify as treated wood. 

Some ways to distinguish treated wood waste include but are not limited to:

• Treated wood end tag
• Wood Manufacturer stamp codes
• Indentations on the surface of the wood 
• When cut, staining is visible around the perimeter only
• Discoloration (e.g. green or dark brown appearance)
• Odor

Visit DTSC for more information.

Proper Handling and Disposal of TWW

Households:

1. Do not burn TWW

2, Do not remove or destroy any marking identifying the wood as treated wood

3. Keep TWW segregated from other materials

4. Store no more than 1,000 pounds of TWW for no longer than 30 days

5. Transport TWW to an authorized TWW facility, such as John Smith Road Landfill. Identify the TWW to the the landfill or facility personnel

Treated wood waste is not accepted at the John Smith Road Landfill monthly household hazardous waste collection event. Beginning March 7, 2022, residential treated wood waste up to 1 ton per household and per calendar year is accepted at John Smith Road Landfill. Special handling fees will apply. Commercial wood waste will not be accepted.

 Incidental Generating Businesses: 

Incidental generation occurs when a business generates TWW as a result of activities not associated with the business’s core operation. For example, a retail store, a doctor’s office, or an auto body repair shop might generate TWW when repairing or replacing signage or fencing at their place of business. This TWW is considered “incidentally generated” because these businesses are not routinely involved in construction, demolition, or other activities that involve treated wood. The following requirement apply to incidental generation:

 1. Do not burn TWW

2, Do not remove or destroy any marking identifying the wood as treated wood

3. Keep TWW segregated from other materials

4. Label all TWW bundle/shipments with the following information:

5. Store no more than 1,000 pounds of TWW for no longer than 30 days. If TWW is stored for more than 30 days, additional requirements will apply. 

5. Transport TWW to an authorized TWW facility and identify the TWW to the facility personnel . John Smith Road Landfill does not accept commercial TWW.

Routine TWW Generating Businesses:

Businesses that generate, handle, or accumulate more than 1,000 pounds of TWW in 30 days engaged in activities expected to routinely generate or handle TWW, such as, construction/demolition contractors, and business and homeowners generating large quantities (i.e., accumulating more than 1,000 pounds in 30 days) must meet the requirements listed below. In complying with the TWW AMS, these businesses will minimize their liability concerns and eliminate possible future cleanup cost associated with mismanagement of TWW. Requirements for businesses with routine generation can be found on this DTSC website.