WRAP Study

WRAP* Study Comparing Costs of
Recycled Plastic to Timber
in Construction of a Walkway

Recycled Plastic Payback

This example of comparative costs between timber and Recycled plastic lumber, is taken from a walkway, but its obvious conclusions can be applied to most situations where the two materials would be permanently outdoors, continually at the mercy of the elements.

Assumptions

Timber solution must be replaced every 7 years. Maintenance on timber is required annually from year 2. Inflation is not applied to the annual cost of maintenance. The average annual cost of maintenance of materials and labour is £176 per annum.

Average Cost

per 100 meters of walkway over the time shown:
Timber £1300 - Recycled Plastic £370

Conclusion

Although the initial outlay for recycled plastic is higher, the long-term costs are very significantly lower compared to treated timber.

* WRAP is an independent body set up in 2000 to help recycling take off in the UK and to create a market for recycled materials. WRAP is funded by all four governments across the UK and the EU and run programmes in England, Scotland Wales and Northern Ireland.

Popular Products

Thames Garden Bench - 3 Seater \| Recycled Plastic Wood£320.60 (16) A beautiful 3 Seater Garden Bench made from British Recycled Plastic (synthetic wood) - manufactured from crushed CD cases and old coat hangers. Fully assembled and delivered on a pallet to safeguard it during transportation. UV protected against fading it can be left outside all year round. Will never rot or require maintenance or paint. No splinters for little fingers. Will outlast any wooden garden or park bench by decades.			Recycled Plastic Lumber - Mixed Plastic Boards - Ultra - 150 x 25mm£22.09 (13) Recycled Plastic Planks 150 x 25mm - A popular profile used for raised beds, planters, garden edging, fascia boards, barge boards, and quayside buffers. Tough, solid board that will never rot or need preservatives or paint


Recycled Mixed Plastic Lumber - Marine Decking - 150 x 27mm x 3.6m£35.62 (5) Marine Decking 150 x 27mm. Will never rot, excellent slip resistance on all our decking. Better than wood. Very hard wearing - Lasts a lifetime. Total cost is initial installation, no on going maintenance costs - lower lifetime cost than wood decking. Decking Products Leaflet \| Install Advice \| See Case Study Video			Plastic Wood Raised Bed \| Recycled PlasticFrom: £37.00 (6) Our Raised Beds (Garden Beds) are good value. Never rot. Made from British Recycled Plastic

WRAP Study

WRAP* Study Comparing Costs ofRecycled Plastic to Timberin Construction of a Walkway

WRAP* Study Comparing Costs of
Recycled Plastic to Timber
in Construction of a Walkway