Gardeners, landscapers, and designers the UK over have been snapping up old railway sleepers to help them build beautiful gardens with raised flower beds and chic upcycled furniture.

It’s the trend that means garden centres can now charge a small fortune for old sleepers, and everyone involved can feel good that they are doing their bit for the environment.

Right?

Well, using old railway sleepers may not be as environmentally friendly as you thought.

Why old sleepers can harm the environment

Old railway sleepers have often been chemically treated in order to protect them against the elements and preserve their useful life. Creosote was historically most often used, although this has now been replaced with safer non-toxic treatments.

Creosote is a wood preservative that contains carcinogenic compounds such as tar. When in direct sunlight the warmth draws the tar out of the wood and to its surface, meaning the carcinogens can leach into soil, flower beds and vegetable patches.

This kills soil bacteria and enters the food cycle through worms and insects, impacting local ecosystems and damaging the environment.

How can I use sleepers safely in my projects?

Sourcing sleepers from a reputable supplier, and ensuring that they have not been treated with creosote or other toxic chemicals is the best way to avoid damaging your garden.

There are many reputable suppliers out there who can tell you where the sleepers have come from and how they were used so don’t be afraid to ask questions as you plan your purchase.

How should old sleepers be disposed of?

Old railway sleepers that have been treated with creosote or other toxic chemicals should be disposed of through a licensed waste handler.

Twinwoods Heat and Power Ltd is such a license holder and can dispose of hazardous sleepers through our environmentally friendly biomass plant.

Old sleepers and other hazardous waste wood is used to create clean, green, renewable electricity.

Contact us today to find out how Twinwoods can help you dispose of old railway sleepers and help keep your garden healthy and environmentally friendly.