FirstEnergy Corp. celebrated Global Recycling Day on March 18 by showcasing the significant impact of its recycling initiatives, which have led to the recycling of over 7,000 tons of materials in recent years. Dave Frederick, Director of Environmental at FirstEnergy, emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainability, stating, “Our recycling achievements underscore our dedication to minimizing our environmental footprint and contributing positively to the communities we serve.”
One of FirstEnergy’s key initiatives is the Wood Pole Diversion Program, which diverts worn utility poles from landfills into various reuse and recycling options. In the past year alone, the company diverted more than 2,400 tons of wood poles, giving them new life in farmers’ fields, parks, or as milled lumber.
Through the Recycling and Investment Recovery Program, FirstEnergy focuses on managing surplus assets like wire and cable through reuse, refurbishment, and sale. This approach not only reduces new material purchases but also minimizes landfill waste and environmental impact. In 2023, the company handled millions of pounds of scrap material and recycled over 2 million pounds of cables and wires, earning credits towards future purchases.
FirstEnergy’s employee-led initiatives have also made a significant impact on its recycling efforts. The NexTrex challenge, for instance, enabled employees to collect over 1,800 pounds of plastic waste, showcasing their dedication to sustainability. Moreover, employee donations of blue jeans have been repurposed into home insulation, highlighting the innovative nature of FirstEnergy’s recycling practices.
For more information on FirstEnergy’s environmental and corporate responsibility initiatives, interested parties can visit fecorporateresponsibility.com. FirstEnergy, known for its dedication to integrity, safety, reliability, and operational excellence, serves customers in multiple states across the nation through its electric distribution and transmission companies.
Contact information for news media and investors is also provided for those seeking further details on FirstEnergy’s impactful recycling initiatives.
