The UK’s wood recycling sector has once again demonstrated its strength, with the Wood Recyclers’ Association (WRA) confirming that over 96 per cent of waste wood was processed in 2024. This achievement reflects the industry’s continued commitment to sustainability and its ability to meet growing environmental and market demands.
Record-High Processing Volumes
According to the WRA’s annual report, the UK’s waste wood market successfully diverted the vast majority of wood from landfill or incineration. This includes a wide range of sources such as packaging, offcuts, pallets, furniture and demolition timber.
“Over 96 per cent of waste wood was processed in 2024,”– Wood Recyclers’ Association spokesperson
The bulk of this material was used for panel board manufacture, biomass fuel for energy recovery, animal bedding, and landscaping products, ensuring valuable resources are put back into circulation.
Why Are Processing Rates So High?
The industry’s success can be attributed to several key drivers:
- Ongoing investment in recycling infrastructure
- Advanced sorting and screening technology
- Increased demand from biomass and EfW facilities
- Improved guidance from the Waste Wood Classification Code of Practice.
Together, these developments have allowed the UK to process a wider range of waste wood types more efficiently and safely.
A Growing Role for Biomass and Heavy Industry
As the UK transitions to cleaner energy sources, waste wood has become a key feedstock for biomass power generation. This is particularly relevant for energy-intensive industries, which are actively seeking sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels.
For operators in these sectors, waste wood is not only an environmental solution, it’s a strategic energy asset. However, handling large volumes of abrasive material places significant stress on plant and equipment.
Supporting Industrial Performance with Wear Protection
At Kingfisher Industrial, we help businesses in the recycling and biomass sectors optimise performance and protect their operations. From conveyors and feeders to cyclones and silos, our engineered wear protection systems are designed to withstand the harsh conditions associated with high-throughput wood processing.
With extended equipment life and reduced downtime, our solutions help industrial operators meet both operational targets and sustainability goals.
Source: Letsrecycle.com “Over 96% of waste wood processed in 2024, WRA says”, July 2025.
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