Wood Debris/Clean Wood Waste

Wood debris and wood waste take up valuable space in our landfill when not recycled properly. Residents and commercial businesses have many alternatives for disposal of wood debris in Snohomish county.

Wood debris consists of branches, limbs, natural wood, woody prunings, stumps, trunks, and other woody vegetation. Clean wood waste is unpainted, and unpreserved lumber and wood waste, particleboard, pressboard, plywood, OSB, and pallets.

Material not accepted for wood debris recycling includes: painted, preserved, waterproofed, pressure-treated or stained wood, gypsum waste, laminates, formica, furniture, soil, rocks, sod, food waste, pet waste, creosote treated wood, or chemically contaminated wood.

Smoke from burning leaves and wood may seem harmless, but it's as dangerous as cigarette smoke- and can contribute to birth defects, cancer and lung disease. Outdoor burning is illegal and can carry fines up to $15,000 per day. Visit the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency website for more information on outdoor burning regulations, alternates to burning and health information.

Local haulers may accept wood debris as part of their curbside service. Check with your hauler for their acceptance policies, collection schedule and rates.

Wood debris is accepted for recycling at the County's three transfer stations. The disposal fee is $45/ton (minimum fee of $11 for 500 pounds or less). There is a 10-foot length limit, and stumps should be no larger than can be handled by two people,and without dirt. Please keep recyclable items separate from garbage.

Private companies play a big part in the recycling of wood debris from residential and commercial businesses. Private recycling facilities process this valuable resource into wood chips, mulch, landscape products, hog fuel and other valuable materials. You can find a list of the many recycling resources for wood debris on the WA State Dept. of Ecology web page.