Municipal solid waste (garbage,trash) consists of many different materials, including wood which can be recovered and used for bioenery and bioproducts. MSW wood consists mainly of durable materials (e.g., furniture), packaging (e.g., pallets, fruit crates), and the wood component of yard trimmings. Data regarding the quantities of wood contained in MSW wastes are limited--estimated quantities range from about 19 to 30 million tons. The recovery rate for durable wood and wood containers is low, but over 60 percent of yard trimmings are recovered (mostly for compost). Due to contamination from paints, adhesives, treatments to prevent rot, etc., the quantities of MSW wood suitable for biobased products is lower than those generated. The costs of recovering, separating, and reducing the size of wood from mixed waste sources can be substantial.
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