Open AccessWood Residue Processing and Utilization in Southeastern Michigan, U.S.
Author(s) -
Pascal Nzokou,
Jessica Simons,
Anthony K. Weatherspoon
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
arboriculture and urban forestry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.222
H-Index - 47
eISSN - 2155-0778
pISSN - 1935-5297
DOI - 10.48044/jauf.2011.003
Subject(s) - yard , firewood , tonne , environmental science , clearing , forestry , agricultural economics , wood processing , pulp and paper industry , waste management , agroforestry , geography , business , engineering , economics , physics , finance , quantum mechanics
This paper is an analysis of southeastern Michigan, U.S.’s wood residue processing and disposal facilities. The analysis was conducted in order to characterize wood supply patterns, evaluate recovery efficiency, and identify potential alternatives for wood residues. Wood collection and processing facilities were identified and surveyed throughout a 14-county area. This study documented at least 180 wood residue yards operating in the region, which employed an average of six employees per yard (for a total of 1,082 employees in the industry). The total volume of wood entering the yards was quantified at 6,659.6 thousand cubic meters (5.3 million metric tons), mainly from land-clearing and tree removal. The wood residue supply was used to produce a total of 2,035.8 thousand cubic meter (1.6 million tons) tons of new products (e.g., wood chips, mulches, firewood), which were mainly sold locally. The overall conversion rate was estimated at 30% for the entire industry, clearly indicating room for improvement. The industry is estimated to contribute approximately USD $40 million to Michigan’s economy. Improvement of conversion rates and value-added product development would require fundamental changes in equipment, training, and processes used by tree service and land clearing companies.