Why Straw Wattle is the Clear Winner Over Silt Fence: A Cost & Sustainability Analysis

When it comes to erosion control on construction sites, project managers face a critical choice: silt fence or burlap wattle. For years, silt fence has been the industry standard but a deeper look at the numbers reveals a surprising truth. Not only are Burlap Straw Wattles the more sustainable choice, they're also more economical. Here's why your next project should make the switch. Note: This analysis compares silt fence to burlap biodegradable wattle, not the traditional straw wattle made with plastic netting. As the industry evolves toward true sustainability, burlap wattle represents the future standard.

The Real Cost of Silt Fence (Spoiler: It's Higher Than You Think)

On the surface, silt fence might seem cheap. But when you factor in the complete lifecycle costs, the picture changes dramatically.

For a typical 500-linear-metre project, silt fence averages $7.00 to $14.50 per linear metre in total cost of ownership. This includes:

• Material costs: $1.50–$2.50/lin.m

• Installation labour: $1.50–$2.50/lin.m

• Trench/staking: $1.00–$2.00/lin.m

• Removal labour: $2.00–$4.00/lin.m

• Disposal/landfill fees: $0.50–$1.50/lin.m

• Site haul-out: $0.50–$2.00/lin.m

Here's the kicker: At the end of the project, silt fence becomes waste. It ends up in landfills, consuming disposal resources and contributing to environmental burden.

Burlap Wattle: The Same Price, Without the Waste

Burlap wattles cost approximately $7.00 to $10.50 per linear metre—essentially the same range, or even less—but with one massive advantage:

• Material costs: $5.00–$7.00/lin.m

• Installation labour: $1.50–$2.50/lin.m

• Staking: $0.50–$1.00/lin.m

• Removal labour: $0 (they stay in place)

• Disposal/landfill fees: $0 (they biodegrade)

• Site haul-out: $0

The result? You could save up to $4.00 per linear metre compared to silt fence—and that's just the direct cost savings.

The Environmental Case: Why Non-Biodegradable Just Doesn't Make Sense

Let's be frank: silt fence is not biodegradable. Once installed, it requires complete removal and disposal, creating landfill waste that will persist for decades.

Burlap wattles, by contrast, are made from natural, biodegradable materials that break down naturally over time. On completion of your project, you leave them in place. They:

✓ Eliminate removal costs (saving $2–$4/lin.m)

✓ Eliminate landfill waste entirely

✓ Promote revegetation as they break down, naturally restabilizing slopes and embankments

This isn't just good environmental stewardship—it's smart project economics.

The Numbers Don't Lie

Consider a real-world scenario: A 500-linear-metre erosion control installation.

Factor	Silt Fence	Burlap Wattle	Difference
Total Cost (low end)	$3,500	$3,500	—
Total Cost (high end)	$7,250	$5,250	$2,000 savings
Removal/Disposal Required	Yes	No	—
Landfill Impact	Significant	None	—
Post-Project Stabilization	None	Enhanced (revegetation)	—

Potential savings: Up to $4.00/lin.m—or $2,000 on a 500-metre project.

Why Hasn't the Industry Switched Yet?

Inertia. Silt fence has been the default for decades. Contractors are familiar with installation protocols. Specifications haven't caught up to the data. But forward-thinking project managers are beginning to recognize that the old standard isn't the best standard.

Regulatory bodies are taking notice too. As environmental standards tighten and landfill costs rise, the incentives are shifting decidedly in favour of biodegradable alternatives.

The Bottom Line

Burlap wattle offers:

• Comparable or lower cost over the project lifecycle

• Zero disposal waste

• Natural site stabilization as it breaks down

• Better environmental outcomes

• Compliance with modern sustainability standards

Silt fence offers... the status quo.

When you're already investing in erosion control, why choose a material that becomes landfill waste when you can use something that restores the land? The math is compelling, the environment thanks you, and your project budget stays healthier.

It's time to upgrade to burlap wattle. Your sites, and your bottom line, will thank you. More on BMP Supplies Burlap Straw Wattles: Click Here

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All figures based on typical Canadian field conditions. Costs vary by region, material supplier, and labour rates. Consult local suppliers for accurate project estimates.