Mecklenburg County, North Carolina
Charlotte, North Carolina

Clean Wood and Pallet Recycling Analysis

DSM, as a subcontractor to MSW Consultants, was contracted by Mecklenburg County to evaluate pallet and clean wood recycling and disposal county wide. A state law to come into effect in the fall of 2009 bans clean wood from disposal in MSW landfills. As part of the analysis, DSM performed confidential, on-site surveys with over 200 different businesses likely to generate pallets (from large manufacturers to small distributors) to determine waste generation and recycling rates for pallets and clean wood. As part of the survey, DSM obtained data on corrugated cardboard and plastic film generation rates and recycling to gauge participation and recovery of these materials.

The analysis focused on the feasibility of current recycling infrastructure to handle the clean wood--especially wood pallets--which was headed to MSW landfills. The project team quantified the County's clean wood waste stream and end disposition, and evaluated the current recycling infrastructure and small business's ability to recycle pallets. This included assessing the market demand for clean wood into products such as mulch, boiler fuel, and alternative uses in the greater region.

As part of the study, DSM conducted focus groups with residential and large commercial construction firms to gather data on participation in recycling at job sites, barriers to recycling specific construction materials and resources necessary to overcome barriers.

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