Disposing of timber, old fencing and decking
Keep reusable timber separate and check how a site handles treated wood and DIY quantities.
Identify wood that could be reused
Keep sound lengths and boards separate from rotten or heavily damaged pieces. Give a reuse project dimensions and photographs rather than assuming it accepts every kind of timber. State whether the wood is painted or treated.
Separate the load
Do not mix fencing and decking into a garden-waste collection without explicit permission. Tell the site about MDF, chipboard, coatings or preservatives, because these may affect the stream it uses.
Check quantity and access rules
For a home renovation, check DIY limits, booking, vehicle access and any rules for the particular material. Waste taken away by a tradesperson is not the same as your own household DIY trip.
Keep it contained
Stack the timber securely and protect protruding nails and sharp edges. Do not burn old coated timber as a shortcut. If an unidentified board could contain asbestos, leave it undisturbed and get advice.
See DIY waste rules and suspected asbestos.
Spotted something wrong or out of date? Tell us and we will check it.
More guides
DIY waste: rubble, tiles and plasterboard
Plan disposal before a small renovation: what to ask about DIY waste limits, separate materials and waste produced by a tradesperson.
Leftover paint and household chemicals: finding a disposal route
What to ask your council about leftover paint, solvents and other chemicals without assuming every tin belongs in the bin or at the tip.
Suspected asbestos at home: stop before a clearance
What to do when an old shed, roof panel or other building material may contain asbestos, before booking demolition or rubbish removal.
Getting rid of old carpet, underlay and flooring
What to ask before taking carpet, underlay, laminate or vinyl to a recycling centre or booking a collection.