Behind the Scenes at SRP: New Granulator Machine Supports Sustainability and Affordability

WHAT:

Ever wondered what happens to hundreds of miles of cables from SRP’s decommissioned power lines? Media are invited to take a behind-the-scenes look at how SRP is recycling old power lines and giving new life to previously un-recyclable material, keeping it out of landfills and keeping costs low for customers. 

The tour will feature SRP’s state-of-the-art granulator machine, which separates materials from old power lines, like copper, aluminum and cable jacketing. Once separated, these materials can more easily be recycled, and in the case of cable jacketing, SRP is studying cutting edge recycling techniques to put it to sustainable use. 

WHEN / WHERE:

• 8 a.m., Thursday, December 11, 2025
• 7005 S. Kyrene Rd Tempe, AZ 85283, Bldg. 53
• Use entrance off Kyrene Road/Western Canal Path
• Please arrive by 7:50 a.m. Please wear close-toed shoes and long pants and bring a valid I.D. 

If planning to attend, please contact Elaina Steingard at elaina.steingard@srpnet.com.  

VISUALS AND INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE: 

• Interviews with experts from SRP
• Granulator machine separating copper, aluminum, and cable jacketing
• Long conveyor belts sifting and transporting materials into large depositories
• Visuals of SRP’s Investment Recovery facility
• SRP crews in action operating the granulator machine  

DETAILS: 

• This year alone, SRP has recycled more than 451,000 pounds of copper, 931,000 pounds of aluminum and has returned 2,300 cable reels to be reused for new cable.
• SRP uses a circular economy model to repurpose, reuse and recycle as many materials as possible while maintaining safety and reliability of its assets.
• The Investment Recovery program is working to divert 95% of its industrial waste from landfills by 2035 and to achieve zero industrial landfill waste by 2050, part of SRP’s ambitious Sustainability Goals.