The wood waste hierarchy outlines wood waste disposal methods in order of most preferable to least preferable.
This hierarchy is a general guideline and does not consider the potential wood waste utilization volumes associated with each activity. Individual projects should be analyzed based on many factors, including transportation distances, end product quality, and other greenhouse gas implications.
Biochar projects span across the two categories based on the quality and end-use of the biochar.
Tree preservation
Treatment of diseased trees, tree care, maintaining forest carbon sinks
Durable wood products
Timber, lumber, building materials, furniture, decorative wood products, biochar
Soil amendments
Biochar > compost > mulch
Bioenergy
Combined heat and power, thermal energy, pelletizing, biogas, advanced biofuels, SAF
Disposal
Open burning, landfilling, illegal dumping