Report
End-of-Life Timber Utility Poles in Australia: Volumes, Disposal Practices, and Circular-Economy Opportunities
University of the Sunshine Coast
2025
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00988
Abstract
The Timber Circularity Project is investigating circular economy pathways for end-of-life treated timber and engineered wood products across Australia. This report examines end-of-life timber utility poles which are a critical component of the Australian electricity distribution network. Most timber poles are durable hardwood species such as blackbutt, spotted gum, ironbark and various other species valued for their strength and long-term performance. Over the past century, utilities have transitioned from using untreated naturally durable species to poles treated with preservatives such as chromated copper arsenate (CCA) and creosote.
Details
- Title
- End-of-Life Timber Utility Poles in Australia: Volumes, Disposal Practices, and Circular-Economy Opportunities
- Authors
- Penelope Mitchell - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, National Centre for Timber Durability and Design LifeMelanie L Harris - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Sustainability Research ClusterMartin Strandgard - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Forest Industries Research CentreTripti Singh - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, National Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life
- Publication details
- 37 pages
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast
- Date published
- 2025
- DOI
- 10.25907/00988
- Grant note
- Funded by Forest and Wood Products Australia (FWPA) and industry partners.
- Organisation Unit
- Australian Centre for Pacific Islands Research; National Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life; Forest Industries Research Centre; School of Science, Technology and Engineering; Sustainability Research Cluster
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991191645902621
- Output Type
- Report
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