The Swedish Wood Protection Institute is pleased to announce the release of an English version of its latest report, highlighting results from a project led by Nacka vatten och avfall (NVOA). This project focused on developing and testing a sorting method for treated wood waste, effectively separating hazardous from non-hazardous. The findings point to significant environmental and economic benefits for municipalities across the country.
According to the report, the sorting method effectively categorized treated wood waste into two fractions: hazardous and non-hazardous. The results indicate that 79% of the collected treated wood was classified as non-hazardous, while only 21% was deemed hazardous. Additionally, 7% of the wood could be reused, showcasing the method’s potential for promoting recycling.
While promising, these findings are based on a single trial, indicating the need for further research and trials to optimize the sorting process on a larger scale.
Economic Benefits for Municipalities
The report suggests that more efficient sorting of treated wood waste could lead to significant cost savings. For example, Nacka municipality could potentially save approximately 840,000 SEK annually by reducing hazardous waste by nearly 80%. Additionally, reduced handling costs and increased revenue from the sale of reclaimed RT chips could amount to an estimated one million SEK per year.
The report also highlights the potential to improve sorting further by using XRF analysis (X-ray fluorescence technology). Including this technology in the sorting process could reduce hazardous waste by an additional 10–20%, potentially saving up to 400,000 SEK annually while increasing RT chip production.
Nationwide Opportunities
The Swedish Wood Protection Institute emphasizes that this new sorting method has the potential to make a significant national impact. A broader implementation across recycling centers could result in reduced waste costs of up to 63 million SEK and increased revenues from RT chips of around 77 million SEK annually.
The report illustrates how optimized management of treated wood waste can benefit the environment by reducing hazardous waste while strengthening economic sustainability in municipal waste management. By adopting this method, municipalities can lower costs and contribute to a more circular economy and improved recycling.
Click the image to read the report, with an English version now available.

Medd 195 Rapport Sorteringsguide en
Sorting of non-hazardous waste from the treated wood fraction Communications No 195 - 2024
Medd 195 Rapport Sorteringsguide
Sortering av icke farligt avfall från fraktionen impregnerat trä Rapport från ett försök av Nacka Vatten och Avfall Fredrik Westin, Johan Fridh, Dan Alverfors, Jöran Jermer Meddelanden Nr 195 - 2024 ISBN 978-91-988923-3-8