Railroad ties are heavy timbers positioned perpendicular to the tracks, designed to support the rails and transfer loads to the underlying ballast. Reclaimed ties are often available for repurposing because their original function requires them to be durable and weather-resistant. This longevity stems from a deep chemical treatment that allows them to withstand decades of exposure to moisture and insects. While this durability makes them appealing for outdoor projects, the chemical treatment presents significant safety and environmental challenges that must be addressed before reuse.
Understanding Creosote and Necessary Safety Precautions
The longevity of a railroad tie is due to its saturation with coal tar creosote, a substance classified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a restricted-use pesticide. Creosote is a complex mixture of several hundred chemicals, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are known carcinogens. This chemical composition necessitates caution when handling the wood, even decades after its initial treatment.
Direct skin contact with creosote-treated wood can cause chemical burns, irritation, and increased sensitivity to sunlight. Inhaling the fumes or the fine sawdust generated from cutting the ties poses a risk of respiratory irritation and internal exposure to these toxic compounds. Therefore, personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory for anyone working with this material.
When handling or cutting railroad ties, wear long sleeves, long pants, and chemically impervious gloves, such as those made of vinyl or neoprene, to prevent skin exposure. Eye protection, specifically ANSI Z87.1 approved safety glasses, is necessary to shield against dust and splinters. If you plan to cut the wood, which generates fine particulate matter, use a heavy-duty dust mask or a respirator to avoid inhaling the treated wood dust.
Approved Outdoor Applications and Project Ideas
Because creosote is designed to leach slowly into the environment, the reuse of railroad ties is restricted to applications where human, animal, and food contact is minimized. The wood is best suited for heavy-duty structural landscaping projects in areas well away from homes or water sources. Building robust retaining walls on slopes is one of the most common and appropriate uses, as the ties’ weight and resistance to decay make them well-suited for holding back large amounts of earth.
The ties can also be used for constructing non-residential steps or for creating durable path edging in flower gardens or perennial beds. In these applications, the ties define boundaries and manage erosion. When building any structure, ensure the ties are securely anchored to prevent shifting or movement over time.
It is important to understand the limitations on where creosote-treated wood can be used, and the EPA has specific warnings against certain applications. Railroad ties must never be used in the following areas:
- To construct raised beds for vegetable gardens or food crops, as the chemicals can leach into the soil and potentially be taken up by the plants.
- For children’s play structures, sandboxes, or seating areas where frequent skin contact is likely.
- Indoors or in greenhouses.
- Near water sources like wells or ponds, as the chemicals can volatilize or contaminate groundwater.
Proper Disposal and Regulatory Guidelines
When a railroad tie is no longer usable, it cannot be placed out with regular household trash or yard waste. Due to the creosote treatment, this material is considered regulated waste and requires specialized handling for disposal. Regulations for creosote-treated wood vary significantly between states and municipalities, so the first step is to contact your local solid waste management authority or environmental protection agency.
Open burning of railroad ties is illegal in many jurisdictions because the combustion releases highly toxic chemicals and heavy smoke into the atmosphere. This creates a hazardous air quality situation and can result in significant penalties. The ties should not be chipped for mulch or used as firewood for any residential purpose.
While creosote-treated wood may not always meet the federal definition of “hazardous waste” under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), it is frequently classified as a special waste or regulated solid waste at the state and local level. Disposal generally requires taking the ties to a permitted construction and demolition (C&D) landfill or a solid waste facility authorized to accept treated wood. By contacting your local waste officials, you can determine the required pre-treatment, such as cutting the ties into smaller sections, and the nearest permitted disposal site.