Salt River Project has recycled more than 500 tons of previously unrecyclable wooden utility poles, diverting them from Arizona landfills, SRP officials said. 

The poles, which are used to support overhead power lines, are treated with preservatives to increase their durability, making them difficult to process through traditional recycling methods.  

SRP partnered with Blackwood Solutions in 2024 to recycle weathered wood poles, which are typically replaced after 30 years, according to a release from the Tempe-based utility.

The poles are used for building structures like fences, pole barns, retaining walls, shooting stops and small bridges. Poles are also used to line trails and driveways.

“SRP’s utility poles are very durable, which presented a significant opportunity to make progress on our waste reduction and diversion goal,” Jeff Shaver, SRP’s investment recovery analyst, said.

SRP’s 2035 Sustainability Goals include an effort to divert 95% of its industrial waste from landfills by 2035 and to achieve zero industrial landfill waste by 2050. 

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