Recycled Products

Recycled timber is defined as recovered wood that prior to being supplied to the Authority had an end use as a standalone object or as part of a structure. The term "recycled" is used to cover the following categories:

1. Pre consumer recycled wood and wood fibre or industrial by products (from furniture production for example). Sawmill co-products fall within the category of virgin timber and not recycled.
2. Post consumer recycled wood and wood fibre (recycled paper for example) and drift wood. CPET shall be contacted if claims of drift wood are made.  
3. Reclaimed timber which was abandoned or confiscated at least ten years previously. Evidence of the timber being harvested more that 10 years ago is required and CPET shall be contacted.

In order to meet the UK Government’s timber procurement policy, the material must be (a) either legal and sustainable timber or FLEGT-licensed or equivalent timber or alternatively (b) 'recycled timber'; or (c) a combination of (a) and (b).

Documentary evidence and independent verification also apply to recycled timber, but focus on the previous timber use rather than the forest source. Recycled timber shall be supported with evidence tracing the timber back to the previous use.  

For more information on recycled products, please visit:

http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/waste/index.htm and WRAP for the reclaimed building product guide.