NES Initiatives

Recycling Materials

Oil used in NES transformers is recycled on-site.  The water content is removed from the used oil, and additives found in domestic-use oil that are lost during the work-cycle of the transformer are then added back to the oil mixture.

All scrap metals such as copper, aluminum, and steel are sold and recycled for later use.  Transformer shells are sold to salvage operators who break them down and recycle everything except the paper and porcelain.

Streetlamps and fluorescent bulbs are sent to a recycling company in Johnson City, TN.  The bulbs go through a 100% reuse process.  The mercury vapor from streetlamps is recaptured and sold as usable mercury.  The glass from the bulbs is ground up and used to create asphalt, and the aluminum end caps are sold to salvage companies.

NES also recycles used wooden poles that are removed from service.  These poles have been used by local farmers, parks, youth organizations, and Mennonite developments in southern Kentucky.