My Account
Recycling
Walton EMC, an Environmental Steward: Walton EMC employees strive to serve the co-op’s customer-owners while also working to better the environment. Whenever possible, we find ways to reuse and recycle materials.
Paper, cardboard, aluminum cans:
Paper, cardboard, aluminum cans:
Walton EMC office employees recycle paper, cardboard materials and aluminum cans that are collected by a local certified recycler each week.
Motor oil, oil filters, antifreeze:
Walton EMC's mechanics' shop collects motor oil and used oil filters from all company vehicles, which are then picked up by local recyclers once a month. We also reuse our antifreeze whenever possible.
Tires:
We collect used tires from our company vehicles and send them in to be recycled.
Line hardware:
Through the International Program with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, Walton EMC ships replaced line hardware (leftover when our lines are upgraded) to a third world country for their use. In one instance, the co-op provided one country with an entire substation!
Porcelain materials:
Most of the products needed to build electrical systems are made of porcelain. Porcelain materials have a long life expectancy, and therefore can be used again instead of being wasted. In some cases, Walton EMC reuses materials taken down from old lines.
Aluminum, copper, steel wire:
Line technicians recycle all scrap materials when constructing a new distribution system. The scrap aluminum, copper and steel wire is picked up by a certified recycler and resold.
Wire reels:
Wire is shipped to Walton EMC on large, wooden reels. The empty wooden reels are collected and sent to a recycler to be refurbished and then reused. We have recently begun using metal reels to spool the wire, which can be reused more quickly and easily.
Transformers:
Walton EMC recycles all un-repairable transformers, as well as the transformer oil. The transformers are sent to a certified recycling center, where all usable metals are stripped and collected for reuse.
Meters:
Broken meters are repaired whenever possible; those that cannot be repaired are collected by a certified recycler. All usable parts of the meter are separated and used as parts for new meters.
Vehicles:
At Walton EMC's Annual Meeting in June, one lucky co-op member drives away in one of Walton EMC’s recycled meter trucks. Other retired vehicles are sold once a year in a bid process.
LEARN MORE:
Cells for Sight Program:
Walton EMC offices serve as a collection site for the Lions Club’s Cells for Sight program, which recycles old cell phones and uses the money to help Georgians who need eye surgery for cataracts, diabetic retinopathy and detached retinas. SIGN UP:
- Online or by phone: 770.267.2505