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.

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

Back to Clients