How to Recycle Treated Timbers

Determine what wood is potentially poisonous if disposed of improperly. If tearing down an existing deck, place the wood in a separate pile from any other waste that might be present. Search your property for old electric poles or railroad ties that have been left to decompose. Many outbuildings, like barns and garages, are built with treated timbers as well, and should be included in the poisonous category. All of the treated wood that is collected can be stored together in the same pile until an application is found for reuse.

Find specific uses for the wood on your property. Treated wood can be used to build borders around vegetable, herb or flower gardens, for example. The wood can also be used to repair existing outbuildings and also can be used to build small freestanding structures, like doghouses. Another application for treated wood is building walkways from feature to feature in a property's existing landscaping.

Find specific uses for the wood inside your home. Treated wood can be used inside the home if precautions are taken. It can be used for small construction applications, like furniture and flower holders, for example. If small children or pets are present inside the home, treated timbers may not be appropriate, however.

Tell your neighbors and extended family members that you have extra wood that needs to be recycled. Offer to help them reapply it in their yards or homes. If you have a pickup truck or other large vehicle, offer to haul it to the area where it will be used. You can also place an ad in a local publication about free wood that needs to be recycled. Be sure to tell prospective takers that the wood is treated and needs to be used with precaution.