This article analyses the impact of wood waste on the environment and public health and reflects on design practices based on upcycling to achieve less impactful production. The study was carried out in an academic context as part of a Master’s program in Industrial and Product Design and is based on an investigation that includes a theoretical approach to the waste generated by the wood industry, how it is managed and the environmental and public health consequences of poor management. In this context, it is recognized the importance of implementing design practices based on the principle of a circular economy that favors a significant reduction in wood waste. A set of case studies are presented, demonstrating ways of reusing wood waste through circular design practices. This reflection provides a theoretical basis for the development of projects in the area of product design that include upcycling practices to recycle wood waste, highlighting the need for awareness of the relationship between design and its impact on the environment.