Sustainable Utility Pole Recycling: Blackwood’s Commitment to the Environment

Disposing of retired utility poles is a growing challenge for utilities, as treated wood contains chemicals like creosote that require careful handling. Blackwood Solutions has been leading the charge in sustainable utility pole recycling since 2017, processing over 400,000 tons of materials with zero environmental incidents. Our innovative recycling program turns retired poles into valuable resources, supporting utilities’ sustainability goals and reducing landfill waste.

The Environmental Challenge of Pole Disposal

Treated wood utility poles can’t simply be sent to landfills due to environmental regulations. Improper disposal risks chemical leaching and regulatory fines. Blackwood’s recycling process addresses these issues by:

• Repurposing Poles: Retired poles are transformed into fencing, trail liners, or retaining walls.

• Efficient Collection: Our grapple trucks streamline pole pickup from job sites.

• Compliance: We adhere to EPA and state regulations, ensuring safe disposal.

Our zero-incident record reflects our commitment to Real World Safety and environmental stewardship.

Benefits of Recycling with Blackwood

Recycling with Blackwood offers utilities multiple benefits:

• Sustainability: Reduce environmental impact and align with ESG goals.

• Cost Savings: Avoid landfill fees and generate value from repurposed materials.

• Efficiency: Our grapple trucks minimize disruption at job sites.

Since 2017, we’ve helped utilities nationwide turn waste into opportunity, earning recognition at events like the Sustainable Supply Chain Alliance.

Case Study: Recycling for a Georgia Utility

In 2024, a Georgia utility needed to dispose of 1,000 retired poles. Blackwood Solutions implemented a recycling program, collecting poles with grapple trucks and repurposing them for agricultural fencing. The project saved the utility $50,000 in disposal costs and supported their sustainability initiatives, showcasing our Serve First approach.

Go Green with Blackwood’s Recycling Program

Partner with Blackwood Solutions to recycle your utility poles responsibly and efficiently.