Composting and treated lumber

[lfoose]

We are going to be putting in a compost bin soon and have the opportunity to get some lumber for it pretty cheaply. The only concern I have is that I beleive the lumber is treated. I have heard that it's ok to use treated lumber and I have heard that it's bad to use treated lumber. The 'treated' chemicals seep into the compost. Any thoughts?

 

[Tala]

Treated lumber doesn't hurt carpenter bees

I know if you don't use treated lumber then your wood will BECOME part of the compost, dunno how treated holds up but if it breaks down it makes sense that it goes into your compost

 

[flopshot]

the new ACQ treatment formula contains no arsenic like the old one did.
so far no reports of leaching copper causing any problems.
if you use the ACQ products you also need hot galvanized nails, ceramic coated or stainless steel screws.

 

[CityChicker]

I don't know the science behind treated lumber or how dangerous it *really* is. In researching my new compost bin and raised planters that we are building this year, we have found that the experienced gardeners almost unanimously recommend against using treated lumber. Whether this is warranted or not, I don't know.

We are making our planters out of redwood though (cedar was a close runner up). Our new compost pile, we are probably going to build like a wire cage or buy one of the plastic ones.

 

[lfoose]

My last compost bin was made out of 3 old skids I got from work.