Railroad ties are traditionally made of wood, but pre-stressed concrete is now also widely used in some areas of the world, like Europe and Asia. A railroad tie (also known as railway tie or crosstie) is a rectangular support for the rails in railroad tracks.
They are 7 in. x 9 in. x 8 ft (18 cm x 23 cm x 2.4 m) and weigh between 145 and 200 pounds (65 to 90 kg), depending on the condition or grade of the tie. This weight is based upon the most common size of railroad tie in use today.
The chemicals that railroad ties are treated with can pose a problem. One common treatment is creosote, arsenic, an insecticide, sporicide, miticide and fungicide that looks like a black goo that penetrates deeply into pressure-treated wood for a long time. Due to the wood preservatives, it is not advisable to burn railroad ties. There are better disposal options.
Recycling keeps railroad ties off the landfill track. They can be reused in landscaping, fencing, construction, retaining walls and as fuel for utilities and other plants; unfortunately too many have gone to landfill.
They are not best used on soil that comes into direct contact with vegetables you intend to eat. Use untreated wood beams to surround your vegetable garden.
- DO NOT burn creosote-treated wood in open fires or in stoves, fireplaces, or residential boilers, because toxic chemicals may be produced as part of the smoke and ashes.
- DO avoid frequent or prolonged skin contact with creosote-treated wood;
- DO wear long-sleeve shirts and long pants and use gloves impervious to the chemicals when handling treated wood;
- DO wear goggles to protect eyes if power-sawing treated wood; and
- DO wash any work clothes coming into contact with treated wood separately from other household clothing.
Here are some reuse ideas: www.greatamericanhomeplans.com/railroadties.htm
If you don’t need the ties, consider asking neighbours or post a listing on : http://www.2good2toss.com/lewis/?content=lewis
Local organizations such as Habitat for Humanity may be able to utilize the railroad ties.
