Can You Burn Old Rotted Railroad Ties? (5 Expert Tips)
Save Money and Protect Your Health: Why You Need to Think Twice Before Burning Old Railroad Ties
As someone who’s spent a good chunk of their life around wood – from felling towering trees in the Pacific Northwest to meticulously splitting firewood for those long winter nights – I’ve learned that not all wood is created equal.
Sure, the idea of turning those hefty, discarded ties into free heat might sound tempting. After all, firewood costs can really add up, and the thought of repurposing something destined for the landfill has a certain appeal. But trust me, burning railroad ties is a gamble with your health, your property, and the environment.
In this article, I’m going to break down exactly why burning old railroad ties is a bad idea, and I’ll give you five expert tips to consider before you even think about tossing one of those creosote-soaked behemoths into your wood stove. Let’s dive in!
Why Burning Railroad Ties is a Recipe for Disaster
Before we get into the nitty-gritty tips, it’s important to understand why burning railroad ties is such a no-no. It boils down to one word: creosote.
Railroad ties are treated with creosote, a coal-tar based preservative, to protect them from rot, insects, and the elements. This stuff is incredibly effective at prolonging the life of the wood, but it’s also incredibly toxic. When you burn creosote-treated wood, you release a cocktail of harmful chemicals into the air, including:
- Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs): These are known carcinogens, meaning they can cause cancer.
- Phenols: These can irritate your skin, eyes, and respiratory system.
- Other Toxic Compounds: The exact composition of creosote can vary, but it often includes other nasty chemicals that you definitely don’t want to be breathing in.
Burning railroad ties isn’t just bad for your health; it’s also bad for your property. The creosote can condense in your chimney, creating a thick, flammable residue that significantly increases the risk of a chimney fire. I’ve seen firsthand the devastation a chimney fire can cause, and believe me, it’s not something you want to experience.
Furthermore, the ash from burned railroad ties is considered hazardous waste in many areas. Disposing of it improperly can lead to soil and water contamination, not to mention potential fines.
5 Expert Tips: Making the Right Choice
Now that we’ve established the dangers of burning railroad ties, let’s get into those five expert tips to help you make the right decision.
Tip #1: Know Your Wood – Identify Treated vs. Untreated Wood
The first step is to accurately identify whether the wood you’re considering burning is treated or untreated. This might seem obvious, but it’s crucial. Untreated wood, especially hardwoods like oak, maple, and ash, are excellent choices for firewood when properly seasoned.
How to Identify Treated Wood:
- Smell: Treated wood often has a distinct chemical odor, especially when freshly cut. Creosote has a very strong, pungent smell.
- Appearance: Treated wood may have a greenish or brownish tint, especially if it’s been pressure-treated. Railroad ties are typically dark brown or black due to the creosote.
- Tags or Stamps: Look for tags or stamps indicating the type of treatment used. These are often found on lumber purchased from a hardware store.
- Age and Source: Consider the age and source of the wood. If it came from a construction site, demolition project, or a railroad track, it’s highly likely to be treated.
Why This Matters:
Burning untreated wood, properly seasoned, is a sustainable and safe way to heat your home. Burning treated wood, on the other hand, is a health hazard and an environmental risk. The key is to be absolutely sure of what you’re burning.
I once helped a friend clear out an old barn, and we found a pile of what looked like perfectly good firewood. However, upon closer inspection, we realized it was actually old fencing that had been treated with arsenic-based preservatives. We were lucky we caught it before anyone started burning it!
Tip #2: The Creosote Conundrum – Understanding the Risks
Creosote is the primary reason why burning railroad ties is so dangerous. It’s a complex mixture of chemicals that can have serious health and environmental consequences.
Understanding Creosote:
- Formation: Creosote is formed during the incomplete combustion of wood, coal, and other organic materials.
- Properties: It’s a thick, oily substance that can be black, brown, or even clear. It’s highly flammable and corrosive.
- Health Risks: Exposure to creosote can cause skin irritation, respiratory problems, and even cancer.
- Environmental Risks: Creosote can contaminate soil and water, harming wildlife and ecosystems.
Creosote Buildup in Chimneys:
When you burn creosote-treated wood, the creosote vapors travel up your chimney. As they cool, they condense on the chimney walls, forming a sticky, flammable residue. This buildup can significantly increase the risk of a chimney fire.
- First Degree Creosote: Light and flaky, easily removed with regular chimney cleaning.
- Second Degree Creosote: Hard and crusty, more difficult to remove.
- Third Degree Creosote: Shiny and tar-like, extremely difficult to remove and poses the highest fire risk.
Data Point: According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), creosote buildup is a leading cause of chimney fires in the United States. Regular chimney inspections and cleanings are essential to prevent these fires.
My Experience: I remember one winter when I was a teenager, my family’s chimney caught fire. The sound was terrifying, like a roaring furnace inside the house. Luckily, we were able to put it out quickly, but it was a close call. That experience taught me the importance of chimney maintenance and burning only clean, dry wood.
Tip #3: Legal Eagles – Checking Local Regulations
Before you even consider burning railroad ties, it’s crucial to check your local regulations. Many municipalities and states have laws prohibiting the burning of treated wood, including railroad ties.
Why Regulations Exist:
- Protect Public Health: To minimize exposure to harmful chemicals released during combustion.
- Protect the Environment: To prevent soil and water contamination from ash and creosote.
- Reduce Fire Risk: To minimize the risk of chimney fires caused by creosote buildup.
How to Check Local Regulations:
- Contact Your Local Fire Department: They can provide information on burning regulations in your area.
- Check with Your Local Environmental Protection Agency: They can provide information on waste disposal regulations.
- Consult Your Homeowners Association (HOA): They may have rules regarding burning wood on your property.
Case Study: In some states, like Washington and Oregon, burning treated wood is strictly prohibited. Violators can face hefty fines and even criminal charges.
My Advice: Don’t assume that because you haven’t been caught burning treated wood in the past, it’s legal. Regulations can change, and it’s always best to be informed. Ignoring the law could cost you dearly.
Tip #4: Alternatives Abound – Exploring Safe Firewood Options
Instead of risking your health and property by burning railroad ties, explore safer and more sustainable firewood options.
Excellent Firewood Choices:
- Hardwoods: Oak, maple, ash, beech, and birch are all excellent choices for firewood. They burn hot and long, producing a lot of heat.
- Softwoods: Pine, fir, and spruce can also be burned, but they tend to burn faster and produce more smoke. They’re best suited for shoulder seasons or outdoor fires.
Seasoning Firewood:
Seasoning is the process of drying firewood to reduce its moisture content. Properly seasoned firewood burns hotter, cleaner, and more efficiently.
- Ideal Moisture Content: 15-20%
- Seasoning Time: Typically 6-12 months, depending on the wood species and climate.
- How to Season: Stack firewood in a sunny, well-ventilated area, off the ground. Cover the top of the stack to protect it from rain and snow.
Data Point: Burning seasoned firewood can increase your heating efficiency by up to 30% compared to burning green wood.
Other Sustainable Heating Options:
- Pellet Stoves: Pellet stoves burn compressed wood pellets, which are a renewable and sustainable fuel source.
- Gas Fireplaces: Gas fireplaces are a convenient and efficient way to heat your home.
- Electric Heaters: Electric heaters are a good option for supplemental heating.
My Go-To: I personally prefer burning seasoned oak in my wood stove. It burns long and hot, and the aroma is fantastic. I always make sure to season my firewood for at least a year before burning it.
Tip #5: Disposal Dilemmas – Handling Railroad Ties Responsibly
If you have old railroad ties on your property, it’s important to dispose of them responsibly. Simply throwing them in the trash or burning them is not an option.
Responsible Disposal Methods:
- Contact Your Local Waste Management Company: They can provide information on how to dispose of treated wood in your area.
- Check with Your Local Landfill: Some landfills accept treated wood, but others do not.
- Consider Repurposing: Railroad ties can be repurposed for landscaping projects, such as retaining walls or garden beds. However, be aware that the creosote can leach into the soil, so avoid using them in areas where you grow food.
- Professional Removal: Hire a professional waste removal company to dispose of the railroad ties properly.
Data Point: Improper disposal of treated wood can lead to soil and water contamination, which can have serious environmental consequences.
The Right Choice: I always advocate for responsible disposal of treated wood. It’s a small price to pay to protect our environment and public health.
Conclusion: A Clear Choice for a Healthier Home
Burning old railroad ties might seem like a quick and easy way to save money on heating costs, but the risks far outweigh the benefits. The toxic chemicals released during combustion can harm your health, damage your property, and pollute the environment.
By following these five expert tips, you can make the right choice for your health, your home, and the planet. Choose safe and sustainable firewood options, dispose of treated wood responsibly, and always prioritize safety.
Remember, a warm home is a happy home, but a healthy home is even better. So, ditch the railroad ties and embrace a cleaner, safer way to heat your home. You’ll be glad you did.
