We are a small cabinet shop that produces about eight 55-gal drums of sawdust a week, mostly from our planer and CNC. I realize this isn't a substantial amount; however, it has really begun to pile up over the last couple of years. We have tried to give it away to farmers, garden centers, and other establishments that might use it, but we have not found someone who will take it consistently, even for free. We have looked at taking it to the landfill, but we currently do not have a trailer to do that with. Also, we would prefer not to pay someone to come get rid of it unless we have no other options.

This led us to look into briquette-making machines, in hopes of turning the sawdust into something useful for us to use ourselves—as we live in a cold climate—and also something that we can possibly sell. I have searched the internet looking at all different types of machines from companies like RUF and Falach. However, these machines are either way larger than we need for our operation, or rather expensive.

I was curious if there is anyone else who has gone down this rabbit hole and might have a machine they use or recommend. Also, what are people's experiences with these briquettes both making them and burning/selling them?

Thanks in advance.

I've seen some home made options on YouTube, but I think you're better off getting a bigger dumpster and putting it there.

I borrowed a dump trailer for a few weeks and dumped it at the local composting site. I'm kinda surprised they let me dump it there.

A pellet mill might make sense. Pto versions aren't terrible in price and everyone burns pellets. Still expensive though when you consider your probably doing less than 5 tons which is like 1500. USDA sawdust stove if your daring and creative

First off thank you for the suggestions they are greatly appreciated!

We have considered using a pellet mill. However, multiple people in our shop burn traditional cord wood for heat in their homes and do not have pellet stoves. we could sell the pellets, but we were hoping to find a solution that we could both sell and use ourselves in order to diversify our options. You are correct in that pellet mills tend to be cheaper than briquette makers, and for that reason we are keeping the pellet mill option as plan b or c.

I've been trying to work something out for my very small shop for years and haven't found anything I thought made sense but... apparently they make pellet water boilers . Depending on location and sqft and insurance bs $10k +/- and "free" shop heat indefinitely. Has me thinking