Are Railroad Ties Safe For Gardening Using Railroad Ties For Garden Beds

Yes, creosote does leach out of the ties and into the soil, but worn-out ties are generally not a problem, because most of their creosote has already leached away. ...

1. Is it illegal to use railroad ties for landscaping?
2. Do railroad ties contaminate soil?
3. Are all railroad ties toxic?
4. Is burning railroad ties toxic?
5. What can I use instead of railroad ties for landscaping?
6. Will termites eat railroad ties?
7. How long will railroad ties last?
8. What does the railroad do with old ties?
9. How long are railroad ties toxic?
10. Are railroad ties poisonous to dogs?
11. Why is creosote banned?
12. Are used railroad ties free?
13. Who takes old railroad ties?
14. Does CSX sell used railroad ties?

Is it illegal to use railroad ties for landscaping?

Every EPA site said the same thing about the main preservative in old railroad ties: "Creosote is a possible human carcinogen and has no registered residential use." So it's actually illegal to use old railroad ties in a home landscape. ... There are no approved residential uses of creosote treated wood.

Do railroad ties contaminate soil?

Repurposed railroad ties may seem like a fun idea, but they are often contaminated with creosote. Wood treated with creosote may contain high concentrations several years after treatment. Creosote from treated wood can leach into the soil, or volatilize.

Are all railroad ties toxic?

Railroad ties are treated with chemical preservatives, such as creosote and chromated copper arsenate. Both of these chemicals are banned for residential use, and they're potentially harmful to humans and plants.

Is burning railroad ties toxic?

Disposing of Used Railroad Ties

Railroad ties should never be burned. This is true for all treated wood products, which may release toxic gases through smoke and cause illness or other hazards. The ash resulting from burned wood containing creosote has been shown to be toxic, also.

What can I use instead of railroad ties for landscaping?

Landscape timbers are naturally rot and insect resistant – which comes in handy for outdoor projects exposed to the elements. They are a great non-toxic alternative to railroad ties, so you don't have to worry about chemicals seeping into your vegetable garden or your kids' playground.

Will termites eat railroad ties?

Any wood that is on the ground in your yard will be attractive to worker termites. ... Termites come up from the ground to feed on any rotting wood they find. If you use railroad ties, or some other old wood as a border around your garden or flower bed, consider replacing this wood with stones.

How long will railroad ties last?

Cons: Limited life span (10 to 20 years) because timbers rot and are damaged by pests. Cannot be used to create curving walls as can concrete and stone.

What does the railroad do with old ties?

Many of the used ties, which on average are 30 years old, are burned to produce heat and electricity, and the remainder are recycled as landscaping timbers or disposed of in landfills, according to Nicole Labbé, Pyoungchung Kim, and their colleagues at the University of Tennessee's Center for Renewable Carbon.

How long are railroad ties toxic?

Complete decomposition is assumed to occur over approximately 40 to over 100 years. In areas where access is practical, some ties may be reclaimed by residents for landscape or fence uses, but the ties would still decay in about the same time.

Are railroad ties poisonous to dogs?

The chemicals in old railroad ties has been shown to leak into the soil and be absorbed by plants. ... Your children and pets may prove especially sensitive to tactile exposure to the chemicals, meaning that even playing around old railroad ties might harm them.

Why is creosote banned?

In 2003 the EU took the decision to ban the amateur use of creosote as a precautionary measure, because of concerns around the impacts of creosote on human health and the environment. Approvals for professional and industrial use of creosote products were allowed to continue.

Are used railroad ties free?

So how can I get free railroad ties? ... You can ask the railroad that owns those used railroad ties and ask if they would like to get rid of them, they might offer to sell them to you or maybe it's your lucky day and you can get them for free.

Who takes old railroad ties?

Local organizations such as Habitat for Humanity may be able to utilize the railroad ties. Ohio EPA maintains a recycling Web site that may provide some usefull information. If recycling of your railroad ties is not an option, they should be disposed of in a solid waste or construction and demolition debris landfill.

Does CSX sell used railroad ties?

CSX generally does not sell scrap materials directly to the general public. ... If you wish to purchase scrap ties, contact National Salvage & Service Corporation at 1-800-769-8437.