Page 394 - Solid Waste Analysis and Minimization a Systems Approach

372 WOOD- AND LUMBER-MANUFACTURING APPLICATIONS

27.3 Constraints and Considerations

Sawmilling has been compared to juggling. There is a need to constantly balance a log
inventory with the demands of the market. A sawmill has little control over its log
resource. This lack of control extends to the market. Orders can’t be taken for products
without a customer base. A sawmill caught between these two variables (resource and
market), over which it exercises little control, has only the flexibility anticipated,
planned for, and designed into the mill to rely upon for economic survival.
Following is a list of considerations that are designed around a series of questions.
These questions are arranged in a particular sequence:

■ Timber resource characteristics—Many potential reuse options for wood by-
products exist, as described later in this chapter. A key consideration is the type,
quality, and size of the wood. Some outlets may be interested in a specific type of
wood or size (sawdust to large fragments). The condition of the by-product will
play a large role in determining the potential market.
■ Market characteristics—Understanding and predicting the potential market for
wood processing by-products is also necessary. Estimating the market size and mar-
keting approaches will aid in establishing a sustainable system.
■ Regulatory considerations—Investigating whether federal, state, and local laws and
regulations relating to such concerns as worker’s compensation, fees, taxes, registration,
zoning safety, and the environment have all been identified and found to be compatible
with the proposed enterprise and whether past uses present any regulation issues.
■ Logistical and facility issues—Transportation of the by-product is also a concern and
constraint. Adequate storage and dock space is necessary to store the by-product prior
to shipment. In a facility limited in size, this may adversely impact potential options.
■ Contamination—Most recyclers will set a maximum allowable level of contamina-
tion for all materials collected, including wood debris. If the wood is contaminated
with fluids such as oils or cleaning agents, recyclers may reject loads.
■ Cost of equipment—The cost of equipment can be prohibitive.
■ Invest the extra time, space, and employee training and retraining to sort waste and
recyclable materials. Training and employee involvement are key elements to the
success of the recycling program. Creating a strong, well planned system at the
beginning will save many headaches and additional costs for the organization at a
later point in time.

27.4 Potential Technologies

and Strategies

Technology has changed sawmill and wood-processing operations significantly in
recent years, emphasizing increasing profits through waste minimization and
increased energy efficiency as well as improving operator safety. The once ubiquitous,