Build a stable stack
- Place longer boards on the bottom.
- Keep short offcuts in a rigid bin or low contained pile.
- Do not create a bundle one person cannot safely move.
- Keep the stack away from vehicle lanes and doors.
Handle fasteners deliberately
Do not leave nails or screws pointing into a walkway. Turn fasteners inward, mark the affected pieces, or place them in a separate stable stack. A magnetic sweep around the staging area can find loose hardware, but it does not replace a visual check.
Describe the wood accurately
Mention paint, preservatives, charring, rot, or contamination. Clean framing cutoffs, painted trim, pressure-treated wood, and burned material may not follow the same disposal path.
Measurements that help
- Longest piece.
- Approximate stack length, width, and height.
- Whether cutting or disassembly is needed.
- Gate width and distance to parking.
Source note
EPA construction and demolition guidance separates wood from other common building materials and notes that local markets and facility requirements affect reuse and recovery options.
See the full source record in the project research files.