Railroad Ties are considered hazardous waste if I use them in my garden.
The use of old railroad ties for landscaping projects such as retaining walls, garden edging, and raised garden beds was once a common practice.As old railroad lines became used as hiking and biking trails, it seemed like a good way to reuse the railroad ties.
Railroad ties are soaked with creosote to give them longevity, and in your landscape, they pose a health hazard as the chemical gradually creeps into the soil.Railroad ties are an environmental danger, as we learned from our grandparents or parents.
Railroad ties have an issue with creosote.Due to its toxicity, the substance has been banned for residential use.Coal tar has an oily by-product called creosote.Railroad ties can be treated with creosote to allow long-term preservation of the wood, which must stand up to heavy pressure and harsh weather conditions.
creosote is a substance created by woodsmoke that can build up inside your wood stove chimney, as many wood stoves have gauges that indicate when it may be happening.Creosote can cause a house fire if it builds up in the chimney.Exposure to creosote can be dangerous.
It is not just a matter of direct contact with creosote.It takes many years to break down creosote, which can be found in water.Humans, pets, wildlife, and beneficial insects can be affected by this.creosote can remain in the soil for a long time.
Railroad ties should not be burned.It's true for all treated wood products that they can release toxic gases through smoke.The ash from burned wood has been shown to be toxic.sawdust from cutting wood that has been treated should not be breathed in as it can cause respiratory problems.When cutting wood of unknown origin, use a mask or respirator.
Railroad ties can be recycled in the same way as other solid waste, but make sure to check your local laws regarding hazardous substances.Communities are increasingly setting restrictions on the disposal of materials that may contain toxic chemicals because creosote will eventually find its way into the water supply.You may be required to take old railroad ties to a site that can handle chemical-laden building materials.
Commercial railroad timbers may use a compound intended to prevent insect damage in wood.The compound usually contains arsenic, copper, and chromium.The same chemical has been used in other timbers for residential outdoor use.The dangers of the chemicals soon became evident, as the standard compound used to pressure treat timbers was intended for outdoor ground contact.
In 2003 the EPA and lumber industry agreed to phase out CCA.Because of the dangers of this chemical, it is no longer used.ACQ is a water-based wood preservative with relatively low risks.