Storm events, landscape maintenance, and the clearing of land for development are a few activities that generate untreated organic materials (e.g., brush and stumps). DEP promotes the chipping and reuse of source-separated clean wood as an efficient use of natural resources and to reduce disposal needs at landfills and resource recovery facilities. Chipped land-clearing debris can be used in landscaping applications, as compost bulking agents and soil amendments, and in temporary land stabilization projects in a manner that poses no threat to surface or ground waters of the state.

DEP cautions that only untreated wood is suitable for such reuse. Treated wood such as plywood, furniture, wood waste from construction, renovation and demolition, pressure treated timber, painted or stained wood, and any other surface treated wood should not be chipped and reused directly on land or used as a compost bulking agent. Treated wood may contain creosote, lead, acrylic, chromium, pentachlorophenol, phenol-formaldehyde resins, and other known carcinogens and ground water contaminants. Extensive test data on treated wood show lead and other contaminants exceed allowable EPA levels. These pollutants can leach into the ground water or be ingested by children, animals, and adults. For these reasons, chipped treated wood is not suitable for use in compost, mulch, or land application such as highway grading and beautification projects. Treated wood should only be disposed at appropriate solid waste facilities.

To facilitate the chipping of untreated wood for reuse, DEP has developed a recycling general permit that allows certain recycling facilities to process brush and untreated wood. "Brush" is defined as "tree stumps and cut or broken branches and shrubs." "Untreated wood" is defined as "wood to which no adhesives, paints, stains, fire retardants, pesticides, or preservatives have been applied." The General Permit to Construct and Operate Certain Recycling Facilities was reissued on August 15, 2007 and expires on August 15, 2010. Questions regarding this permit can be directed to K.C. Alexander, DEP Recycling Program, (860) 424-3365.

Wood processing requires large, specialized equipment. There are businesses that have invested in this equipment to provide chipping and grinding services to developers, municipalities, state agencies, and homeowners. The list of Brush and Stump Grinding Facilities and Services below can be used as a quick reference to locate a commercial wood processor. You can also check your local yellow pages for more options.

Another source of wood processors is the CT Department of Administrative Services website. DAS goes out to state-wide bid for all kinds of services that State agencies need. Municipalities and non-profits can use the companies and bid prices/specifications quoted through these contracts. One of the contracts (#07PSX0025; expires 2-28-09) is for "Rental of Tree Removal, Tree Trimming, and Disposal Equipment" which can be found on the DAS website. Even if this contract does not meet your needs, the list of contractors can be used as a source of service providers. Questions regarding this contract may be directed to Mark Carroza, DAS, (860) 713-5079.

Brush and Stump Grinding Facilities and Services
This is only a partial listing and includes only those facilities and processors of which the CT DEP Recycling Program is aware. By providing it here, DEP does not recommend these companies over any others. The following list notes whether the businesses provide Service A and/or Service B. Service A operates a permitted or otherwise authorized facility (general permit, individual solid waste permit, consent order, etc.). Service B operates a mobile commercial processing service.

Content Last Updated on May 4, 2009

Composting