Removal of Creosote Railroad Ties

Railroad ties are used for a variety of landscaping purposes such as gardening, building a retaining wall and framing a walkway. Railroad ties are treated with creosote, which is a chemical preservative. Creosote-treated wood is safe as long as it is handled properly. However, the chemical preservatives are hazardous and dangerous when the wood is mishandled. Burning creosote-treated railroad ties or turning them into mulch is dangerous to your health. Burning railroad ties is generally prohibited unless it is done in high-combustion chamber or kiln.

Shovel
Pry bar
Chain saw

Instructions

- 1
  Dig out the dirt from the edges of the railroad tie. Railroad ties settle into the ground over time because of their weight. This makes it difficult to move them. Digging the dirt out from around the edges makes it easier to pry them up from the ground.
- 2
  Pry the railroad up from the ground with a pry bar. Enlist a couple of friends to help. Ask your friends to rock the railroad tie back and forth as you pry it up. Continue until the railroad tie is loose and free from the ground.
- 3
  Decide what to do with the railroad ties. The options for disposing of railroad ties includes selling them, taking them to the local landfill or disposing of them with your regular garbage.
- 4
  Place an ad in the newspaper and online to sell the railroad ties. If your old railroad ties are still in good shape, the best option is to sell them.
- 5
  Contact the local landfill and waste management authorities to find out about local and state rules and regulations for disposing of creosote-treated wood. The local landfill and municipal waste management authorities have rules and regulations as well. Some landfill facilities accept whole railroad ties. Other landfill facilities ask that they be cut into smaller pieces.

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