ALUMINUM SIGN RECYCLING Final Report

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Aluminum Sign Recycling Investigation

Background and Purpose

This report examines the hydro-stripping process for aluminum signs. Conducted by Jon Lazarus at the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), the study aimed to determine if hydro-stripped signs meet ODOT specifications. The focus was on whether the anti-corrosive coating is removed during hydro-stripping.

Importance of Hydro-stripping

Hydro-stripping uses high-pressure water to remove reflective sheeting from aluminum signs. This innovative process provides a sustainable option for reusing signs that typically would be discarded. By facilitating recycling, ODOT can contribute to environmental protection while saving costs in sign manufacturing.

Methodology and Standards

ODOT’s sign fabrication involves three main components: aluminum sheeting, an anti-corrosive coating, and reflective sheeting. Due to a recent change in the anti-corrosive coating, two distinct types now exist within ODOT’s inventory. The project established baseline measurements for the hydro-stripping process to assess compliance with standard specifications.

Sign fabrication follows established guidelines, such as ASTM standards. Specific requirements detail the necessary aluminum alloy grade and the adequate application of chromate anti-corrosive coating. ODOT measures this coating using precise weight differences before and after applying the chromate layer.

Sign Fabrication Process

Typically, ODOT fabricates signs internally. This includes purchasing the materials, cutting them to size, applying reflective sheeting, and assembling the signs. In rare cases, ODOT outsources to vendors. Each sign is logged in a database and subsequently deployed to requesting districts.

ODOT relies on certificates from aluminum manufacturers to confirm adherence to anti-corrosive layer standards. Additionally, staff inspect the sheeting for thickness to ensure compliance and quality.

Future Monitoring and Impact

ODOT is conducting long-term performance monitoring of hydro-stripped signs. This testing will assess how well reflective sheeting adheres to the treated aluminum over time. Continuous evaluation helps ensure that reusing hydro-stripped signs does not compromise safety or performance.

In conclusion, the investigation into hydro-stripping aluminum signs showcases the potential for innovation in transportation sign management. By adhering to strict standards while exploring sustainable practices, ODOT can lead the way for other agencies in efficient recycling efforts.

Acknowledgements and Disclaimer

The success of this project is attributed to the Technical Advisory Committee and key contributors like Greg Stellmach and Wendy Every. This report reflects the views of its authors and does not necessarily represent the official positions of ODOT or the United States Department of Transportation. While information is shared for public benefit, neither the State of Oregon nor the U.S. Government assumes responsibility for its use.

ALUMINUM SIGN RECYCLING
Final Report
SR 500-510
by
Jon Lazarus, Researcher, Oregon Department of Transportation
Oregon Department of Transportation
Link to full report (PDF) here.

NORTHWEST SIGN RECYCLING EMBRACES ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

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Understanding Environmental Stewardship

Environmental stewardship refers to the responsible use and protection of our natural environment. It involves conservation and sustainable practices.

 

Northwest Sign Recycling: A Commitment to Sustainability

BEND, Ore. – July 11, 2013 – Northwest Sign Recycling integrates this stewardship into its daily operations and future objectives. Aluminum production significantly impacts the environment. Northwest Sign Recycling plays a vital role in promoting sustainability through recycling.

 

The Environmental Issues of Aluminum Production

Aluminum does not exist in its pure form; we must extract it from ore. The process of producing aluminum requires about 13 million watt-hours per ton. On average, producing one kilogram of aluminum needs 15.7 kWh of electricity. In contrast, recycled aluminum requires only 5 percent of that energy due to its lower melting point. For instance, recycling one pound of aluminum conserves 90-95% of the energy consumed to produce aluminum from bauxite ore. This recycling effort saves about 7 kWh of electricity. To put this into perspective, you can make 20 recycled cans with the energy used to create just one new aluminum can. Additionally, recycling one can can power a television for three hours. Importantly, recycled aluminum retains the same quality as new aluminum; it is sustainable and recyclable indefinitely without material loss.

 

Northwest Sign Recycling’s Impact

At our facility, we hydrostrip an average of 15 tons of aluminum road signs each year. After stripping old laminates, we can refinish these signs and keep them in service. This practice prevents the aluminum from going back to the smelter, conserving the energy needed to melt it down. Moreover, we recycle an additional 30 tons annually. This process uses less energy and has a lower environmental impact than producing new aluminum.

 

Impressive Savings Statistics

Northwest Sign Recycling’s hydrostripping saves our environment 471,000 kWh each year. Additionally, recycling damaged signs back to the smelters saves another 420,000 kWh annually. To put this into perspective, the average American home consumes about 11,280 kWh per year. Overall, our combined energy savings can power 79 homes for one year. The CO2 emissions avoided from our energy savings equal those produced by 26,194 propane cylinders used for home barbeques. Alternatively, it corresponds to the emissions from 8.3 tanker trucks of gasoline.

 

Inspiring Others to Embrace Stewardship

Increasingly, companies, municipalities, government agencies, and individuals are recognizing the benefits of environmental stewardship. Northwest Sign Recycling is one of these proactive companies, and we aim to inspire others. By showcasing effective recycling and repurposing practices, we hope to encourage everyone to reflect on their environmental stewardship. We urge everyone to ask, “How can I work on my environmental stewardship and strive for sustainability?” Taking steps toward this goal is worthwhile.

 

Resources for Further Reading

 

About Northwest Sign Recycling

Northwest Sign Recycling transforms outdated, weathered aluminum signs into clean, reusable blanks. This approach greatly reduces costs and protects the environment. Since our inception in 2005, we have collaborated with numerous organizations and municipalities across the Western U.S. and nationally.

 

Advantages of Hydrostripping

  • Saves time and money.
  • Allows reuse of existing signs.
  • Reduces the need for sanding blanks or buying new signs.
  • Provides an environmentally friendly recycling option compliant with mandates.
  • Earns credit for damaged, bent, or unusable scrap aluminum signs.
  • Grants recycling credits to individual departmental budgets.
  • Maintains departmental funding allocations for municipal and government clients

For more information about Northwest Sign Recycling, visit http://www.nwsignrecycling.com/.