Wood waste with toxic components

In today's world, the issue of using secondary resources is becoming increasingly relevant. Particular attention is paid to materials such as sawdust, shavings, scraps, wood, chipboard and veneer, especially when they contain hazardous substances. These materials can pose a serious threat to the environment and human health, so they require a special approach in processing and use.

Sawdust, shavings, trimmings and other types of wood waste often contain residues of glues, paints, varnishes or other chemicals that were used during the treatment of the wood. This is especially relevant for chipboard and veneer, in the production of which various chemical additives are used. The presence of such substances can turn waste into hazardous materials that require special treatment methods.

Harm for the environment

Residues of hazardous substances in sawdust and other wood materials can lead to soil and water pollution, as well as air pollution when they are burned. Accumulation of such substances in the ecosystem can have long-term negative consequences for flora and fauna.

Another significant problem is the release of heavy metals and other toxic components that may be contained in the chemicals left in wood waste. These emissions can contribute to acid rain and other forms of atmospheric pollution.

• Soil and groundwater pollution
• Influence on flora and fauna
• Emissions of toxic substances into the atmosphere

In order to reduce the risks to people's health from exposure to sawdust, shavings, scraps and other wood materials containing dangerous substances, it is necessary to take comprehensive measures. This includes:

• use of personal protective equipment for workers working with such materials;
• implementation of modern air purification technologies at factories;
• constant monitoring of the level of pollution and health of workers;
• increasing awareness of dangers and methods of protection among the population.

Ways of harm reduction

Sawdust, shavings, scraps, wood, chipboard and veneer containing hazardous substances. Code according to the National list of waste 03 01 04*.  Operations in accordance with Annexes 1, 2 to the Law of Ukraine “On Waste Management” D10, D15.

Code according to Annexes VIII, IX to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Utilization/Removal A4040 (AD030).

Methods of environmental management of sawdust, shavings, scraps, wood, chipboard and veneer containing hazardous substances include a number of strategies aimed at minimizing the impact of these materials on the environment and human health. These strategies include:

• operations for collecting, sorting, crushing and processing sawdust, shavings, trimmings, wood, chipboard and veneer containing hazardous substances (D15); 
• transportation of sawdust, shavings, offcuts, wood, chipboard and veneer containing hazardous substances;
• application of methods of cleaning and neutralization of releases of harmful substances.

The company "UtilVtorProm" is actively working on the implementation of advanced methods of processing wood waste aimed at reducing the environmental burden and improving environmental conditions. These measures include the use of modern equipment for the processing and neutralization of hazardous substances, which allows for a safer and more efficient use of resources.

Thanks to such measures, it is possible not only to prevent potential risks to human health and the sustainability of ecosystems, but also to significantly improve the quality of life in communities that depend on the sustainable use of natural resources.

Having considered all aspects of damage and methods of its reduction, it can be noted that a comprehensive approach in the field of processing and use of wood waste is key to ensuring environmental safety and public health protection.