Due to changes in state law, treated wood waste will no longer be accepted at Kiefer Landfill effective Jan. 1, 2021. It will also no longer be accepted in the Bulky Waste Pick Up service for residents who receive curbside garbage collection from Sacramento County.
Treated wood waste has never been accepted at Sacramento County’s North Area Recovery Station.
Treated wood, or pressure-treated wood, has been treated with a chemical preservative to protect it from bugs, fungi and environmental conditions that can lead to decay. Indicators that wood has been treated include:
- An ink stamp on the wood or an end tag
- Small, closely spaced cuts that resemble staple holes on the surface of the wood.
Wood fencing and decking are the most common treated wood waste materials generated by homeowners. Other examples of treated wood are creosote-treated lumber that is used for guardrail posts, railroad ties and pilings.
Surface-applied coatings such as paint, varnish and oil stain are not considered chemical preservatives. Painted wood will continue to be accepted at Kiefer Landfill, the North Area Recovery Station and in your residential Bulky Waste Pick Up.
Regulations that allowed treated wood waste to be handled at Kiefer Landfill expire Dec. 31, 2020. On Jan. 1, 2021, treated wood waste must be managed as hazardous waste and will no longer be accepted at Kiefer Landfill. To dispose of this material after Jan. 1, contact a hazardous waste company that specializes in the management of hazardous waste material or store it on site.
