BWF supports industry-wide timber recycling scheme

The British Woodworking Federation (BWF) has joined forces with the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) and Community Wood Recycling to support timber window frame recycling across the construction industry.

Open to all BWF members, the recycling scheme will collect any waste wood for recycling – including timber frames and off-cuts – where a designated volume has been accumulated.

Through Community Wood Recycling, 100% of the wood supplied is reused or recycled, meaning none of the waste collected will end up in landfill.

Not only does this make timber a more sustainable construction material than ever, the scheme also creates jobs, training, and volunteering opportunities for disadvantaged people.

Helen Hewitt, CEO of the British Woodworking Federation, said: “We know that our members do everything they can to make the most efficient use of their raw material, but we wanted to help them go even further. That’s why we’re delighted to be working with the GGF and Community Wood Recycling over this important initiative.

“Timber is already recognised as a sustainable building material, and this partnership helps make it even more so. By joining the scheme, we’re helping our sector reduce waste and contribute more towards a circular economy. The scheme will allow our members to make a conscious effort to reduce the amount of wood ending up in landfill, while at the same time helping provide local training and employment opportunities.”

Chris Beedel, Head of Advocacy & Stakeholder Relations at the GGF, commented: “We have already seen huge success with our PVC-U and aluminium recycling schemes and are now pleased to be able to offer a similar solution for installers of timber frames.

“We aim to make all our recycling schemes as user-friendly as possible. And with that in mind, waste timber materials can have fixtures and fittings attached and be left in a designated area on site. Waste is collected when 12yd³ of timber has accumulated, meaning companies save on expensive skip costs. Community Wood Recycling can also provide a certificate of recycling for additional peace of mind for installers and the end customer.”

The UK creates 4.5 million tonnes of waste wood each year. Last year, Community Wood Recycling retrieved nearly 24,000 tonnes of wood, a figure the scheme’s partners aim to increase through this initiative.