Timber and wood recycling

Timber and wood recycling services for commercial renovations

Welcome to London’s premier waste collection company specialising in timber and wood recycling for any project, from DIY waste to commercial renovation projects. At We Clear Junk, we understand the importance of sustainable waste management, especially for all our clients. From design and build companies specialising in office renovations, fit-outs, and facility management companies. Our dedicated two-person teams are experts in removing any bulky waste, ensuring 100% diversion from landfills and promoting environmentally friendly recycling practices.

Our commitment to sustainability

We Clear Junk is committed to environmental excellence, ensuring all timber waste collected from commercial sites is responsibly recycled or used for Energy from Waste (EfW) processes. By choosing our services, you’re not just clearing your site; you’re contributing to a greener planet.

Why choose We Clear Junk?

  • 100% landfill diversion: We guarantee that none of your timber waste ends up in landfill if it can be recycled or recovered (energy from waste)
  • Sustainable practices: We only use the best recycling & waste transfer stations in London, supporting the UK’s circular economy.
  • Hassle-free collection: From our smooth booking process, to our efficient two-person teams removing bulky timber waste from your premises, we offer convenience and peace of mind.
  • Experts in commercial waste: With 80% of our business catering to commercial clients, we understand the unique needs of renovation and fit-out projects.

Our timber and wood recycling process

  • Collection: Schedule a collection at your convenience.
    by call / email/ whatsapp/ our APP / webform
  • Our truck teams give an ETA when en route. They load your timber waste, ensuring safe and efficient removal.
  • Sorting: If you have mixed waste, we will separate the mixed waste from the timber destined for reuse / recycling / EfW. 
  • If waste is unable to be separated, then we use recycling facilities that sort waste using trommels, screens, shredders and separators. 
  • Recycling and recovery: Timber is processed into new products or biomass fuel, supporting renewable energy initiatives and reducing carbon footprints.

Book your timber waste collection today

Ready to manage your renovation project’s waste sustainably? Contact We Clear Junk to schedule your timber and wood waste collection. Together, we can achieve a greener future.

Links to authoritative sources on wood and timber recycling in the UK

  • Health and Safety Executive (HSE) addressing risks such as fire hazards and exposure to wood dust, which are crucial for businesses involved in wood recycling to consider​​.
  • Recycle Now: offers insights into recycling timber and wood waste at household waste recycling centres, indicating that both household and commercial timber and wood are accepted, though charges may apply for commercial waste​​.
  • The Government’s Timber in Construction Roadmap highlights the underutilised potential of timber in construction within England, presenting opportunities for increasing its safe use, which is pertinent for businesses looking to adopt more sustainable practices​​.
  • North London Waste Authority (NLWA) details where wood and timber can be recycled within north London, noting specific products made from recycled wood, such as chipboard and animal bedding​​.

New waste wood legislation: Removal of Regulatory Position Statement (RPS) 250

In short:

The UK’s Environment Agency has ended the allowance to mix hazardous waste wood with non-hazardous types, necessitating strict segregation and disposal protocols for potentially toxic wood, especially from older constructions.

Why?

Following recent regulatory changes by the UK’s Environment Agency, the handling of waste wood. The Regulatory Position Statement (RPS) 250, which allowed for the mixing of hazardous and non-hazardous waste wood, was withdrawn on 1st September 2023. This shift stems from the need to better manage potentially hazardous materials within waste wood, identified through comprehensive testing by the Wood Recyclers Association (WRA).

What?

Waste wood deemed potentially hazardous or classified as Grade D waste: wood items from buildings constructed between 1950 and 2006, such as roof timbers, tiling and cladding battens, timber frames, and joists. Or timber from buildings built between 1950 and 1995 (barge boards, fascia, soffits, external timber cladding, doors, and windows), are considered potentially hazardous. They may have been treated with chemicals like preservatives, varnishes, coatings, or exposed to chemicals for protection against decay, pests, or weather. They.must be carefully analysed and, if confirmed as hazardous, segregated and disposed of according to stringent guidelines at appropriately permitted facilities. 

To aid in the transition, RPS 291 was introduced, providing guidelines for the handling of ‘amber’ waste wood, which includes certain items from buildings constructed between specific years. This new position allows for the temporary storage and processing of this wood as non-hazardous, contingent on quarterly testing and adherence to specific disposal pathways​​​​.

These regulatory updates emphasize a more cautious and environmentally responsible approach to waste wood management, underscoring the critical need for accurate classification and safe disposal of materials to mitigate potential environmental and health hazards​​.For further details, refer to the Gov.uk website.

Timber and wood recycling FAQs

  • You can recycle waste wood by taking it to a Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) or by using a private waste collection company. Ensure that the wood is separated by type and free from contamination before recycling. Some facilities also accept wood for specific recycling processes like composting or material recovery.

  • Anyone, from households to businesses, can recycle waste wood. Individuals can take smaller quantities to local HWRCs, while businesses with large amounts of waste wood might benefit from the services of a private waste management company that ensures proper treatment and recycling of the wood.

    Helpful tips:

    1. Check with your local HWRC for any restrictions on the type and quantity of wood accepted.
    2. Consider using a reputable waste collection service that follows environmental guidelines for waste wood recycling.
    3.Sort and clean the wood before recycling to increase its recyclability.

  • Timber and wood can be recycled at designated recycling centres, where it can be processed into new products like chipboard, animal bedding, or even energy recovery.

  • Most types of clean wood and timber can be recycled, including construction debris, pallets, and old furniture, but treated wood might have specific disposal requirements.

  • Yes, some recycling centres may charge for commercial wood waste. It’s advised to check with your local recycling centre for specific details.

  • The ability to recycle painted or treated wood depends on the processing capabilities of the recycling facility. Some facilities can handle it, while others cannot, so it’s best to inquire beforehand.

  • Recycled wood can be repurposed into a variety of new products, such as particleboard, mulch for landscaping, or even biofuel for energy production.

Office Clearances with We Clear Junk

On arrival, the two guys were polite and courteous, and had the truck loaded in no time at all. The 2-hour collection slot is especially useful for a busy office. Great service, and competitive pricing – which is why we always return to you whenever we need a waste clearance.

J Laws