Old poles can be recycled and used as both agricultural and/or building materials. Fence posts, retaining walls, and pole barns are a few of the most common applications. This disposal method requires utility poles be a length of eight feet or longer. So if your utility stockpiles whole poles, this could be a valid solution. Depending on the type of the wood waste being disposed of—and the toxicity of the waste stream—this is perhaps the most environmentally responsible wood disposal method, as there are no emissions or environmental concerns.