Ameren Recycles Utility Poles, Reduces Landfill Waste

Ameren’s recycling program kept 2,100 tons of wood waste out of landfills last year.

Each year, Ameren replaces about 24,000 utility poles across Illinois and Missouri. Reasons include storm damage, accidents, or planned upgrades.

Instead of dumping the old poles, local recyclers haul them away. The wood is repurposed into fencing, landscaping, and building materials.

Since 2022, Ameren has recycled 5,500 tons of wood. That’s equal to the weight of 22 Boeing 787 planes. “Our poles are treated with a preservative that makes them durable but difficult to recycle in a traditional manner,” said Kyle Maxwell, superintendent of Electric Operations for Ameren Illinois. “Through partnerships with local recycling companies like Blackwood Solutions, we’ve developed a responsible solution that puts the poles to use and keeps them out of the dumpster.”

“This program embodies our commitment to environmental stewardship and reducing or eliminating waste wherever possible,” said Jennifer Spalding, manager of Environmental Compliance & and Strategy for Ameren. “We’re working with suppliers, our own team, and our customers to develop an effective program and reach our goals.”  

A typical 40-foot wooden pole weighs around 1,000 pounds.