The development and evaluation of a recycling methodology for out of service pentachlorophenol-treated utility poles

The objective was to develop a commercially viable method for removing pentachlorophenol (PCP) from out-of-service utility poles. The distribution of PCP within 30 year old poles was mapped with respect to depth and length. A comparison of gas chromatography versus X-ray fluorescence was performed and it was verified that no significant difference existed between the two analytical methods. Preliminary experiments led to the choice of 1N NaOH as an extraction solvent for the removal of PCP. The scale up of wood surface area to solution volume ratios began with sawdust and ended with full pole sections. Greater than 98% of the PCP was removed from all samples. Values obtained from the solvent detreatment process were below the hazardous waste criteria for residual PCP and the extraction process is under patent finalization.