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Understanding the legal responsibilities of proper pole disposal
Disposing of old utility poles can be a tricky matter. If they are treated with CCA, Creosote or Penta, you can’t just throw them out, or pile them up on the side of the road, or worse, set them on fire. When it comes to disposing of treated utility poles, it’s important to know what…
Read MoreTreated wood as a viable energy source? There’s life after death for old utility poles
After completing their normal life cycle, treated wood poles become a logistical headache for many utility companies. As landfill space continues to shrink, disposal costs get higher and higher. Even worse, stockpiling old poles in the utility yard becomes a health and safety risk for employees. The underlying problem in the industry as a whole…
Read MoreUtilities Searching for New Ways to Dispose of Treated Poles—Landfills No Longer an Option for Many
Distribution Systems Manager Ben Cash of Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative understands the value of a company like Koppers Recovery. “Landfills around the country are filling up and many will no longer accept certain waste streams, like utility poles which are heavy, bulky and chemically treated” he says, “That’s a dilemma. Because we’re replacing utility poles…
Read MoreAs landfill space decreases costs will increase. How will utilities dispose of old poles?
For decades now, utility companies have typically relied on available landfill to dispose of old poles and wood waste. However, that option is literally shrinking as existing landfill space is declining rapidly. Currently three companies collect more than half of the nation’s trash: Waste Management, Allied Waste Industries, and Republic Services. But according to these…
Read MoreKoppers Recovery: From poles to pallets, a total wood disposal solution for utilities
Not only is Koppers the nation’s premier supplier of utility poles, we also provide comprehensive wood disposal solutions through our Koppers Total Wood Disposal Program. That means we will come pick up and dispose of all of your wood waste in the yard: old treated poles, wooden pallets, and large cable spools (or spindles). Why…
Read MoreStrategic Options for Pole Disposal: Q&A with Richard Johnson, PEPCO Inc.
Strategic Options for Pole Disposal: Q&A with Richard Johnson, PEPCO Inc. When it comes to the disposal of old poles, utility companies have traditionally relied on landfill. Research shows that over 50% of U.S. utilities currently landfill some or all of their used pole material. For many utilities, landfill is often the only viable current…
Read MoreStockpiling old utility poles can raise costs, and the risk of injury
Treated wood poles serve an obvious and vital function for utilities, at least while they are in service. Over time, of course, wood utility poles degrade and, once removed from service, can become a nuisance by taking up much needed yard space at utility storerooms, or even spilling over into the work area. It’s estimated…
Read MoreGoing Green: Striking a balance between sustainability and cost
Like many industries in today’s global marketplace, utilities continue to adopt corporate-wide sustainability goals as a key part of their operating strategy. The disposal of treated and untreated wood waste is often an area in which utilities see opportunity to adopt a more “green” approach to their business practices. In the past, utility companies have…
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