Recycled Asphalt, Concrete Lead to Savings in Oregon

An asphalt and concrete recycling yard in Portland, Ore., has helped the city offset its rising fuel costs, according to a report from KGW Northwest News 8 (Portland, Ore.).

Sunderland Yard, a 20-acre recycling facility owned and operated by the city’s Bureau of Maintenance, salvages more than 250,000 cubic yards of material per year, according to the report.

The material is either reused in city maintenance projects or sold to the general public. Independent contractors can also bring in their recovered materials for a tipping fee of $1 per ton.

According to the report, the Sunderland facility has become increasingly important in a business environment beset by rising fuel and oil costs. The Bureau of Maintenance expects to pay an addition $450,000 this year because of rising fuel costs.

Rising asphalt prices have also had a negative impact on the city’s budget.

However, the city expects a net savings of more than $12 million in the 2005-2006 fiscal year from the Sunderland facility’s operations, according to the report.