SRS says recycling initiatives reduce costs, boost efficiency

The Savannah River Site (SRS), a Department of Energy (DOE) industrial complex in South Carolina, has increased recycling efforts, resulting in reductions in waste and costs.

SRS says it is on track to surpass its fiscal year 2024 recycling efforts in the current fiscal year ending Sept. 30.

In the previous fiscal year, DOE Office of Environmental Management contractor Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) recycled more than 26 million pounds of materials, contributing to operational efficiency at SRS. The complex says the materials included an estimated 19.5 million pounds of concrete and asphalt waste, 5.3 million pounds of scrap metal, 881,000 pounds of office paper and 383,000 pounds of office furniture. Additional recycling initiatives focused on batteries, consumer electronics, toner cartridges, used tires, used oil, refrigerants and other materials.

"Our comprehensive recycling initiatives underscore our commitment to reducing our environmental footprint and supporting cost-effective waste management," says Jennifer Weedon, with the SRNS Energy Efficiency and Environmental Stewardship division. “One of our recent and notable efforts included the recycling of five switchgear transformers, each weighing 100,000 pounds.”

SRNS donated the 115-kilovolt transformers to the Savannah River Site Community Reuse Organization 
(SRSCRO) after they reached the end of their 70-year lifespan.

“The recycling of these components mitigates safety and congestion issues in active construction zones and also aligns with the Department of Energy’s push for effective resource utilization,” says Andrew Ellsworth, with the SRNS Utilities and Operating Services division. “Given the transformers’ large size and valuable components, they were perfect resources to allocate to SRSCRO."

SRSCRO has reused DOE surplus property and equipment from SRS since 1993, making them available to organizations that create jobs and support economic development in the region.

“In addition to supporting the local community, recycling through SRSCRO saves the site from incurring landfill disposal and handling costs,” says Randy Keenan, director of SRNS Site Services.

SRS says upcoming projects will focus on decommissioning and recycling former steam and power lines installed decades ago, helping reduce the site’s footprint and mitigating potential hazards.

"Our proactive approach to recycling ensures that we remain at the forefront of responsible stewardship," Ellsworth says. "We are proud of our achievements and committed to continuing these efforts in the future."