Report
Storage, Handling, and End-of-Life Management of Treated Timber Vineyard Posts
University of the Sunshine Coast
2024
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00883
Abstract
Safe storage and handling of treated timber vineyard posts is pertinent to ensuring the timber resource can be reused or recycled once end-of-life options have been determined. Timber posts used in vineyards are predominantly pine plantation thinnings which have been preservative treated to extend their working life to 30+ years. The treatment however currently poses problems with end-of-life management as it restricts further use of the timber. Disposal to an authorised landfill is currently the only legal end-of-life option available. Solutions are being developed to reuse or recycle end-of-life treated timber however, and regulatory support is being sought for appropriate solutions that will advance a timber circular economy.
Responsible management of resources is of increasing importance to the viticulture industry not only for the marketability of wine both nationally and internationally, but to reduce impact on local communities and the environment, cost, and ensure future productivity. Management practices for used vineyard posts are required to aid the industry in their collection and storage endeavours while progress is made towards circularity.
This report is aimed at providing a consistent and safe approach for storing and handling endof-life treated timber posts to minimise environmental risk, human health impacts and fire hazard while appropriate, local circular economy solutions are developed. It does not replace viticulture management plans that identify and mitigate risks and prevent unacceptable activities. The report should be read in conjunction with local, state, and federal government regulations and guidelines regarding the stockpiling of treated timber, best practice and industry standards for handling and stockpiling treated timber and existing farm management practices.
If posts are managed appropriately at source, they will have the potential to be reused or recycled in the future when options are available. The Australian Government is driving the move towards a circular economy and finding reuse and recycling solutions for end-of-life timber resources is key to meeting these goals.
This report is intended to provide a summary of the key requirements and outline general information to increase knowledge and understanding of storage measures that may facilitate future transport, reuse, and recycling of posts.
Details
- Title
- Storage, Handling, and End-of-Life Management of Treated Timber Vineyard Posts
- Authors
- Penelope Mitchell - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, National Centre for Timber Durability and Design LifeMartin Strandgard - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Forest Research InstituteTripti Singh - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, National Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life
- Publication details
- 49 pages
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast
- Date published
- 2024
- DOI
- 10.25907/00883
- Grant note
- Funded by Forest and Wood Products Australia (FWPA) and industry partners.
- Organisation Unit
- National Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life; Forest Industries Research Centre; Forest Research Institute
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991079398902621
- Output Type
- Report
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