Recycling 1,000 old one-way wood pallets can save over six and a half tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, while repairing and reusing 1,000 heavy wood pallets can save over twenty-four and a half tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Timber Development Association.
An online calculator has been developed to provide freight and logistics companies that dispose of used wood pallets and packaging (including wood skids, crates and bins) with an estimate of the greenhouse emissions of the major reuse and recycling options.
The following scenarios are included in the calculator and compared to disposal in a landfill:
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Reuse and repair.
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Recycling for landscape mulch.
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Recycling for animal bedding.
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Industrial energy recovery in place of fossil fuel.
Available at
www.timberstewardship.org.au/calculator, the calculator utilises life cycle assessment methodology in line with Australian and international carbon footprint standards. An accompanying report, which sets out all assumptions and parameters used in the calculator, can be used by companies to tailor a carbon footprint for their own specific supply chains.
The Office of Environment & Heritage, NSW (OEH) engaged the Timber Development Association to develop and promote the calculator.
The calculator is in draft form and users are invited to provide feedback to the Timber Development Association via
info@tdansw.asn.au by 15 February 2012.