Sector Assessments
An Analysis of Pollution Prevention Opportunities and Impediments in the Wood Products Manufacturing Sector in Georgia
April 1, 1996
Prepared by
Paul Crumpler, Pollution Prevention Engineer
Key Pollution Prevention Issues
The following key issues were identified during the wood products manufacturing assessment.
Lack of Facility Pollution Prevention Programs
Very few Georgia wood products manufacturers have formal pollution prevention programs. In general, only hazardous waste large quantity generators have pollution prevention plans. Without planning or having a means of evaluating waste generation, basic problems go unrecognized. The facilities that did evaluate waste generation and cost have reduced waste.
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Lack of Engineering Resources
Very few Georgia wood products manufacturers have an engineering staff to handle product, process, and environmental issues. Larger manufacturers do have such resources or contract with outside firms. The lack of engineering resources may be an impediment in bringing new technologies to the production process. Also, environmental compliance may be impaired without engineering resources.
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Waste Generation from Spray Application of Coatings
Industrial Users of Spray Application of Coatings
Spray application of coatings is used by manufacturers that finish wood surfaces with paint, sealant, stain, and lacquer. Based on survey results, spray coating methods are used by manufacturers of finished furniture, cabinets, prefabricated construction, and millwork. As many as 300 Georgia manufacturers spray coat wood products, but not all do so as a primary process. Furniture manufacturers may coat 100% of their production while a company that builds manufactured housing spray applies coating very infrequently.
Waste Generation
Wastes generated from a spray coating process are commonly solvents released to the air during painting or as the coating dries. Solvents are also used in cleaning painting equipment which releases solvents to the air and generates hazardous waste. Solvents released to the air from painting and cleanup include xylene, toluene, MEK, methanol, MiBK, naphtha, mineral spirits, and alcohols.
Characteristics of Spray Application Processes
Appearance is the reason that spray application of coatings is used to finish wood products. All manufacturers visited achieved very good appearance of their finished wood products while using manual spray application methods of coating. Automation of coating application is apparently rare in the wood products industry.
Furniture and other wood surfaces are coated with sealants, stains, clearcoats, or lacquers applied in a paint booth. Paint booth operators typically use a spray gun to apply coating on a production line where a number of identical finished wood products are coated in sequence. The number of painting stations varied in plants visited from 30 paint guns to one. Even though appearance is universally very good, spray techniques used by the paint booth operators are consistently very poor from a waste reduction aspect.
Equipment
The most common paint spray guns used are either conventional high pressure (HP) or high volume, low pressure (HVLP) guns. HP guns spray a number of different coatings very well, but are not as efficient as HVLP guns. Transfer efficiency (TE) is a term used in painting to describe coating efficiency. A TE of 40% means that 40% of the paint sprayed sticks to the workpiece surface and 60% is lost as overspray.
Characteristics of Conventional High Pressure Systems:
- TE is up to 40% if used properly.
- Cost ranges from $50 to $300 per gun.
- Spray applies a wide range of materials well.
Characteristics of High Volume-Low Pressure Systems:
- TE is 65% if used properly.
- Cost ranges from $200 to $700.
- HVLP guns require more consistent coatings.
- Very thick coatings may not atomize properly.
Pollution Prevention Options
- Train Operators to Use Correct Spray Techniques
Spray techniques are the most important aspect of minimizing waste from spray coating. High efficiency equipment will provide low TE if poor application techniques are used. Some companies reported that switching from HP to HVLP guns provided no reduction in coating usage. When the process was observed, poor techniques were consistently used by spray operators. Poor techniques can reduce the TE to less than 20% regardless of the type of gun and increase operating cost by 50% or more. Proper spray techniques include:
- Triggering the spray gun only when pointed at the workpiece
- Maintaining the gun nozzle at the correct distance from the workpiece
- Moving the gun parallel to the surface at a consistent speed with a 50% pattern overlap
- Using the proper spray pattern for the width of the workpiece
- Using the manufacturers recommended system settings for pressure and coating consistency
Case Study -- ETHAN ALLEN FURNITURE, OLD FORT, NC
Training Reduces Paint Usage in a Furniture Plant
Ethan Allen has a training program for spray operators that utilizes video taping as a operator training tool. The training consists of three stages:
1 - Operators are video taped while performing their job (it is important to communicate the purpose of the taping to the operators before video taping starts so that there are no misunderstandings).
2 - The operators in groups of three along with their supervisors and technical personnel, review the tapes in one hour sessions in order to identify ways to improve. Instruction on spray techniques is provided during the session and follow-up is provided during production on the manufacturing floor.
3 - The operators are taped again and given a chance to compare the tapes and observe the improvements.
The training is conducted twice a year and equipment and coating suppliers provide technical assistance. The company projects saving $50,000 to $70,000 annually as a result of 8 - 10% savings in material usage. Wastes and VOC emissions are also reduced.
Reprinted with permission from "Pollution Prevention for Wood Finishing and Manufacturing," University of Wisconsin - Extension, Solid and Hazardous Waste Education Center, David S. Liebl, Editor. December 1994 |
HVLP guns should be used whenever possible to reduce air emissions, paint usage, and cost. HVLP guns will provide high TE if properly used. Newer generations of HVLP guns are less expensive and more durable than earlier models. Paint usage can be reduced by 30% by switching from HP to HVLP guns. HVLP guns can pay for themselves after spraying only 40 gallons of coating.
Case Study -- HENREDON FURNITURE, MORGANTOWN, NC
HVLP Guns Replaces Convention High Pressure Guns in a Furniture Finishing Plant
Henredon Furniture converted from conventional spray guns to HVLP equipment (7 to 10 psi) for applying lacquers, sealers, and stains to chairs and benches. Spray operators received training on operation of the new equipment.
The company realized a savings of $120,000 per year from a 15% reduction in coating usage. Product quality improved without impact to line speed and VOC emissions were reduced by over 126,000 lbs. Purchase and installation of the spray guns ranged from $350 to $500 per gun. Payback period was 3.5 months.
Reprinted with permission from "Pollution Prevention for Wood Finishing and Manufacturing," University of Wisconsin - Extension, Solid and Hazardous Waste Education Center, David S. Liebl, Editor. December 1994 |
- For Non-critical Coatings, Use Other Methods Besides Spray Application
Non-critical surfaces, areas where surface protection is more important than appearance can be roller or brush coated. TE for direct application methods can approach 100%.
- Wiping Stains Can be Applied With a Sponge, Brush, Rag, or Roller Instead of Sprayed
Traditionally, stains were applied directly. Stains are designed to soak into wood and usually require a top coat such as varnish to improve appearance and durability. Spraying may offer no appearance advantage in operations where wiping follows spraying.
- Consider Alternative Spray Methods
Airless guns can provide high transfer efficiency when applying thick materials. Some companies can reduce thinning of coating as well by using airless spray guns. High TE (40% to 65%) can reduce the volume of coating used. The results are lower operating cost, reduced energy cost since compressed air is not required, reduced environmental release of solvents, and reduced worker exposure. Spray methods are also available that use liquefied carbon dioxide to replace solvents.
Airless spray systems often using heated coating are sometimes used by wood finishers. These systems offer high transfer efficiency and high quality appearance. Transfer efficiency is estimated to be at least as high as HVLP systems. The following case study compares two wood finishing shops each sealing, staining, and applying clear topcoats to wood. One shop uses HVLP guns and the other uses an airless heat assisted system.
Case Study -- Airless Spray Guns Applying Heated Coating in a Cabinet Shop
A cabinet manufacturer in the metro Atlanta area uses an airless spray system to apply lacquers and top coats. The system uses a high pressure pump to supply coating to the paint gun at up to 3,000 pounds per square inch. The coating is also heated to reduce viscosity. Coating atomization takes place through an orifice in the gun nozzle without the use of compressed air. The coated cabinet components are then air dried. The coating does not require excessive thinning or use of solvent to overcome quality problems. A total of 330 gallons lacquer thinner are used for equipment cleaning and some thinning. The average VOC content of all coating sprayed is 5.4 pounds per gallon including thinning and clean-up solvent.
The total amount of coating spray applied is 1,150 gallons coating 270,000 square feet, or each gallon coats 235 square feet. In another wood finishing shop using HVLP spray guns applying similar coatings, 3,441 gallons are applied coating 350,000 square feet or each gallon coats only 102 square feet. Coating application using airless spray guns reduces coating usage by approximately 56% or 1,497 gallons annually. Assuming an average cost of $10 per gallon for the coatings, estimated savings are $14,970. VOC usage for the shop using HVLP guns was 0.05 pounds per square feet of coated surface compared to 0.03 pounds per square feet for the shop using airless guns, a decrease of 40%. HVLP guns do have good transfer efficiency; some of the difference between these two finishing shops is probably due to the expertise of painters applying the coatings.
| Process |
Materials Used (Gallons/ |
VOCs Used (Pounds/Year) |
| Spray with Sealer |
120 |
|
| Spray with Clear Lacquer |
570 |
|
| Spray with Stain |
15 |
|
| Spray with Toner |
440 |
|
| Lacquer Thinner |
330 |
|
| Total |
1,475 |
7,925 |
| Surface Coated per year |
270,000 Square Feet |
0.03 Pounds per foot2 |
|
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VOC Emissions from Solvent-based Coatings
Industrial Users of Solvent-based Coatings for Wood Finishing
Manufacturers of finished furniture, cabinets, and millwork are the primary users of solvent-based coatings. From a user perspective, solvent in solvent-based coatings allows quick drying time, and reduced viscosity for better atomization in a paint spray gun. Both of these features allow for increased productivity and easy, high-quality application not requiring highly skilled painters.
Waste Generation
Waste generated from using solvent-based coatings are commonly solvents released to the air during painting or as the coating dries. Solvents are also used in cleaning painting equipment which releases solvents to the air and generates hazardous waste. Solvents released to the air from painting and cleanup include xylene, toluene, MEK, methanol, MiBK, naphtha, mineral spirits, and alcohols.
Common Characteristics
Most manufacturers air-dry coated products; solvent-based coatings are well suited for air drying since they are mostly solvent by weight. Most coatings are less than 35% solids. Solvent-based coatings include sealants, stains, and lacquer.
Pollution Prevention Opportunities
- Use Water-based or High-solids Coatings
Two common methods to reduce solvent usage are to use water-based or high-solids coatings. Characteristics of high-solids and water-based coatings are listed below.
High-solids Coatings:
- Greater than 35% solids.
- Reduce solvent emissions.
- Increased coverage per gallon.
- Have increased viscosity.
- Quality problems possible: excessive thickness, runs.
Water-based Coatings:
- Common as a house paint.
- Water-based lacquers are uncommon.
- Quality problems: durability, pealing, gloss, runs, etc.
- Coating contains solvent; majority is replaced with water.
- Drying ovens are often required.
Using high-solids coatings is a cost-effective method to reduce solvent usage, emissions, and worker exposure. Heating the coating prior to spraying can reduce viscosity, thus reducing quality problems such as heavy coating, runs, and sags. Use of airless spray systems can also reduce some quality problems encountered when spraying high-solids coatings.
- Use Water-based Coatings for Non-critical Surfaces
Some companies use water-based paints for non-critical surfaces such as cabinet interiors. These house paint products offer reduced solvent, good durability, easy roller application, and easy clean-up.
- Investigate Water-based Top-coat and Lacquers
Although rare, some companies have switched to water-based coatings for clear top coats. A case study describing Geiger Brickel's experience with switching to a water-based top coat is provided below.
Case Study -- GEIGER BRICKEL, ATLANTA, GA
Water-based Topcoat Replaces Solvent-based Topcoat
Geiger Brickel, a manufacturer of high-quality office furniture has switched from solvent-based top coats on vertical surfaces to water-based clear top coats. Vertical surfaces are coated using manual spray methods and conventional high pressure spray guns. The coated surfaces are then dried in forced air ovens. The result is a decrease in solvent emissions by 25 tons per year. Furniture tops are still coated with solvent-based top coat due to improved durability. The greatest challenge in switching to water-based lacquer was finding the correct formulation. Geiger worked closely with a vendor to develop a coating to meet strict quality requirements. This project was partially funded under a grant from P2AD.
The clear top coat previously used on vertical surfaces was a two-part urethane coating with a VOC content of 5.9 pounds per gallon. The new water-based top coat is also a two-part urethane coating with an isocyanate catalyst. The cost of the water-based topcoat is approximately 50% more per gallon than the solvent-based top coat. Overall, significant cost reductions were realized considering the water-based coating has proven in application to provide two to three times more coverage than the solvent-coating. On a per gallon basis, the water-based coating contains 0.32 pounds per gallon instead of 5.9. On the basis of coverage, the water-based top coat contains 0.5 pounds per 1,000 square feet compared to 30 pounds per 1,000 square feet for the solvent-based coating. The benefits of converting to a water-based coating for Geiger Brickel are reduced VOC emissions by approximately 25 tons annually, and reduced cost of coating by approximately 40%.
Some aspects of this project increased operating costs. Additional forced drying capacity was required increasing energy costs. Steel paint containers and cups were replaced with more costly stainless steel. Total costs including research, testing, and rework were approximately $302,000. Rework due to early test failures was the largest portion totaling $200,000.
From a performance perspective, the water-based coating is comparable to the solvent-based coating. The following chart lists some important parameters.
| Property |
Water-based Clearcoat |
Solvent-based Topcoat |
| Pencil Hardness |
2H |
H (softer) |
| Adhesion % |
100% |
100% |
| Gloss Retention % (UV Exposure) |
90% |
75% |
| Color Change (UV Exposure) |
Moderate |
Moderate |
| Scrape Adhesion Kg. (Balance Beam) |
4 Kg. |
4.5 Kg. |
The coating was developed for Geiger Brickel by Akzo Nobel. Extensive testing and formulation modification was required to develop this coating. Additional information will be published about this project by P2AD. |
Other low solvent technologies are also available but in very limited use by wood products manufacturers. No Georgia manufacturers are known to use these processes, but are apparently used in other states on a limited basis. Contact P2AD or vendors for more detailed information on these processes.
- Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Replacement for Solvent
The Unicarb process, available from Nordson Corporation, replaces 50% of solvents with carbon dioxide. This patented process is in limited use by furniture manufacturers.
Case Study -- PENNSYLVANIA HOUSE, WHITE DEER, PA
Carbon Dioxide Spray System Replaces Solvent at a Furniture Manufacturer
The Pennsylvania House manufacturing facility in White Deer, PA is applying the UNICARB™ spray finishing system full time for lacquer topcoats on chairs. Starting in the Spring of 1990, Pennsylvania House worked with Union Carbide (licenser of the UNICARB ™ system), Nordson (developer of the spray equipment) and Guardsman Product Inc. (formulator of the top coat lacquer) in the development of the system which was installed on the chair finishing line in July of 1991.
Results include a topcoat finish of equivalent quality and integrity to the finish previously provided by the air assisted airless spray guns, however with only about half as many gallons of finish used. VOC emissions have been reduced by approximately 70%.
Reprinted with permission from "Pollution Prevention for Wood Finishing and Manufacturing," University of Wisconsin - Extension, Solid and Hazardous Waste Education Center, David S. Liebl, Editor. December 1994 |
Ultra-violet (UV) cure top coats are also in limited use. UV cure coatings do not require exotic equipment. There are UV coatings available for general consumer automotive uses. These coatings are designed to cure in sun light or an artificial UV source.
Case Study -- LOEWENSTEIN, POMPANO BEACH, FL
UV Cure Sealer Replaces Solvent-based Sealer at a Chair Manufacturer
Loewenstein is a seating manufacturer that finishes over 250 varieties of chairs. Late in 1987, it was ordered to reduce its annual VOC emissions (290,000 lbs.) by 31% with a deadline of February 1, 1989. By April of 1989 Loewenstein had reduced its annual emissions to 165,000 lbs, and as of March 1993, they were down to 75,000 lbs. per year.
This reduction is a result of changing from their previous sealer with 16% solids to a epoxy acrylate UV sealer with 68% solids.
They have also switched to non-electrostatic guns for stain touch up and guns for sealer and topcoat applications.
Other benefits included improved film properties and appearance, less coatings to achieve the desired film thickness, early sealer film hardness that permits extensive handling without wearing through the coating.
Reprinted with permission from "Pollution Prevention for Wood Finishing and Manufacturing," University of Wisconsin - Extension, Solid and Hazardous Waste Education Center, David S. Liebl, Editor. December 1994 |
Dry painting (powder coating) applied in a fluidized bed is also in limited use for wood coating.
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VOC Emissions from Solvent-based Contact Adhesives
Industrial Users of Contact Adhesives
Contact adhesives are used by cabinet and furniture manufacturers to bond melamine surfaces to particleboard subsurfaces to provide durable kitchen countertops and work surfaces.
Waste Generation
Solvent emissions to air are the most common waste stream. Solvents can represent over 80% of the adhesive by weight, and are commonly hexane, MEK, and toluene which are hazardous air pollutants. Toluene is another common adhesive solvent. Depending upon the application method, cleanup of equipment can generate hazardous waste, but in small quantities.
Common Characteristics of Contact Adhesive Laminating
The melamine surface is purchased in rectangular sheets to match countertop widths. This material is also cut in thin strips and bonded to the countertop edges. A complete coating of adhesive is applied to both surfaces and allowed to partially dry. The glued surfaces are then placed face to face and air bubbles are rolled from beneath the laminate. The same contact adhesive is used to provide bonding to both the wide surface (representing 10 to 20 square feet) and the narrow edge (representing only 20 square inches). Failure of either surface can occur, but it occurs more commonly on the narrow edge since a small air bubble or delamination represents a much greater percentage of the bonded surface.
The contact adhesive in common use is pink or red in color, and available as solvent-based or water-based. The solvent-based adhesive is approximately 85% solvent containing MEK, toluene, acetone, and hexane. Some of the water-based adhesives contained the chlorinated solvents methylene chloride or 1,1,1-trichloroethylene, but overall contained less solvent..
Pollution Prevention Options
- Apply Adhesive with a Roller or Brush to Reduce Adhesive Usage
Two methods of applying adhesive, application with either a disposable paint roller or high-pressure spray paint gun were noted during plant visits to wood products manufacturers. Spray application of adhesive can result in wasting 60% of the adhesive due to bounce-back. The adhesive bounces off of the surface and falls to the floor. A comparison is provided below.
Application with high-pressure spray gun:
- Transfer efficiency is less than 35%.
- Heavy build-up of overspray on floor and booth.
- Even application to surface is simple.
- 60% increase in adhesive cost due to overspray loss.
- Increased energy cost due to compressed air usage.
- Periodic gun cleaning is required.
Application with a disposable paint roller:
- Transfer efficiency is very high, resulting in decreased cost.
- No overspray, reduced facility cleaning.
- Decreased worker exposure to air emissions.
- No use of compressed air, decreased energy costs.
- Little clean-up is required.
- Roller cover is disposed after use each day.
- Used roller cover could be hazardous waste.
- Switch to Water-based Adhesive
Companies that have switched to or are investigating water-based contact adhesive are doing so for environmental and safety reasons. A major concern is performance. One company that uses solvent-based adhesive reported that water-based adhesives failed on narrow edge laminates during testing, but they were testing other water-based adhesives for better performance. Another company had totally switched to water-based adhesives and reported no significant increase in failures. Drying time for water-based adhesives is greater than solvent-based. Water-based adhesives do contain a lesser amount of solvents, but still contain solvents that are considered toxic or hazardous.
There are a large number of different formulations available from many manufacturers. Selecting an adhesive that works in a particular situation requires evaluation considering safety, environmental, and functional aspects. If an adhesive meets functional requirements such as strength and ease of application, the adhesive can be compared on a waste reduction basis. Adhesives can be evaluated as follows:
- Total solvent or VOC content - goal is lowest.
- Total amount of toxic materials - goal is lowest.
- Flash point - goal is highest.
- Coverage per gallon - goal is highest.
- Cost per square foot of coverage - goal is lowest.
Other technologies are available and can be evaluated on a similar basis. Some companies report using hot-melt glue and white polyvinyl acetate (PVA) thermal cure glues for melamine and wood laminates instead of contact adhesive.
Other Pollution Prevention Options
- It is not necessary to use the same adhesive on wide and narrow surfaces. A high-strength solvent-based adhesive may be required on a narrow edge, while a water-based adhesive may perform well on the wider surface. A 10 square foot surface bonded with a low strength glue capable of withstanding a force of 2 pounds per square inch has a total resistance to force of 2,880 pounds. A high strength glue may not be needed. On a narrow edge with 10 square inches of area, the low-strength glue will provide a resistance of only 20 pounds; a higher strength glue is probably needed.
- Evaluate other technologies such as hot-melt and PVA glues.
- Evaluate mechanical fastening techniques such as nails, pins, screws, and specialty brackets.
Top VOC Emissions from Solvent-based Construction Adhesives
Industrial Uses of Construction Adhesives
Construction adhesives are used to bond wood to other construction materials such as drywall, foam panels, or metal. Use of these adhesives are common in the mobile home, prefabricated construction, and home building industries.
Waste Generation
In the mobile home industry, 90 to 100 pounds of construction adhesive can be used to build a 1,500 square foot double-wide construction. This material is usually supplied in 29 ounce tubes used in caulk guns. Building a single mobile home can generate over 50 empty tubes which would fill a 55 gallon drum. Tubes are often disposed of as solid waste, but are probably hazardous if they still contain adhesive.
There are a number of types of construction adhesives available and often contain solvents such as acetone, hexane, and toluene. These solvents are released to the air as the adhesive dries; some are hazardous air pollutants.
Common Characteristics
Construction adhesives are usually supplied in a tube and applied with a caulk gun. The adhesives are very viscous to prevent running. They are usually used in situations where additional fastening methods are used. The adhesive is applied and a nail or screw is used to force the two surfaces together. They provide strength, flexibility, sealing, and bonding to a wide variety of materials.
Pollution Prevention Options
- Switch to a Water-based Construction Adhesive
Water-based and solvent-based adhesives are available from a number of different manufacturers. PVA products are available that contain little or no solvent at a comparable cost to the more common solvent-based adhesives. Vendors report that these materials work as well as the solvent-based adhesives, but are not used by most customers. Construction adhesives only need to be viscous and dry to a moderate strength since they are usually used in conjunction with nails or screws. Water-based, latex, or PVA construction adhesives should be as easy to use as solvent-based, and provide the same performance.
- Purchase the Adhesive in Bulk
Construction adhesives are available in different packages such as cans, tubes, drums, and totes. Purchasing the material in drums or totes will require the purchase of a pump or other distribution equipment, but will eliminate disposal of empty, potentially hazardous tubes if the containers are returned to the vendor for refill.
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Solid Waste Generation
Processes Generating Solid Waste
All wood products manufacturers produce some wood waste. Sanding wood will produce sander dust. Sawing, milling, and turning will produce sawdust and chips. Trimming boards will produce short offcuts. Knots and other flaws are often removed producing additional offcuts. These materials are often disposed of in landfills or burned for energy recovery.
Pollution Prevention Options
- Sawdust, Sander Dust, and Machining Dust
There are a few basic methods of reducing type of waste. Purchasing wood dimensionally close to the needed size will reduce the number of cuts and the amount of material removed by sanding or milling. Reduced material removal will reduce saw, sander, and machining dust.
Short and damaged boards are common wastes that are disposed. Purchasing material with fewer flaws and of consistent width and length will reduce waste. Reusing offcuts and damaged material to manufacture other products can reduce waste sent to landfills. Offcuts can also be recycled by sending waste material to other manufacturers to be used as a fuel or raw material. Several methods are listed below that are used by wood products manufacturers to reduce waste.
Cuts are planned to obtain the most usable material from each board. Offcuts are used to make nailer blocks, spacers, and braces, sometimes replacing purchased steel products. Scrap solid wood is joined with PVA glues in a heated press to form butcher block surfaces. Short boards are end joined with finger joints to form boards of usable length. Composites such as plywood or particle board are substituted for solid wood products to reduce scrap caused by knots, splitting, and other flaws.
Case Study -- GAILEY MANUFACTURING, AMERICUS, GA
Solid Waste Reduction by Material Substitution
Gailey Manufacturing of Americus, Georgia, manufactures upholstered furniture with wood and metal frame construction. Hardwood was used to assemble the majority of the upholstered frames. Strength is critical in building high quality furniture; flaws such as cracks were removed from hardwood board before use. As much as 40% of all hardwood was scrapped due to defects. Some of this scrapped material was still usable to construct butcher block surfaces after the defect was removed; the remaining wood was disposed of in the county landfill at the rate of 80 cubic yard per month costing $4,320 annually.
Plywood could achieve and exceed the strength requirements. Plywood costs significantly more than the hardwood used per board foot, and special cutting equipment requiring a large investment would be needed for cutting to the correct shape. Evaluating the process using tests indicated that the raw material scrap rate would be reduced to 2% from 40%, reducing waste volume and the amount of material purchased. Gailey made the switch to plywood. Overall operating cost of this process is now reduced by 50% with decreased wood waste. Disposal costs will reduce to approximately $180 annually. |
There are alternatives to disposal in a landfill. Some wood products manufacturers, saw mills, lumber yard, and drying kiln operators burn wood as a fuel. Some saw mill operators will return ship sawdust from their customers after delivering lumber. Some pulp mills will accept wood waste. Particleboard and paneling manufacturers can also use this material to manufacture these products.
Kiln operations found at lumber yards, furniture manufacturers, and saw mills need wood waste for fuel. Paneling and particleboard manufacturers can use wood waste for fuel and raw material. Boiler operations found at pulp, paper, and other forest product mills often purchase wood waste for fuel.
The keys to finding and keeping a recycler include:
- Treat wood for recycling as a valuable product, not waste.
- Wood must be kept clean, dry, and unmixed with waste.
- Do not mix reconstituted woods (particleboard, plywood, strandboard, paneling) with solid wood.
- Do not mix pine with hardwood unless your recycler knows and can accept the material.
- Do not mix sawdust with large pieces of wood unless your recycler can accept the material.
- Do not mix treated and coated wood with solid wood waste.
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