Signs point to reuse

By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling

Oregon will be launching a pilot program to collect and reuse roadway signs that state officials hope will be a more economical and environmentally friendly option than buying new ones.

Northwest Sign Recycling, a company based out of Prineville, has been awarded a $150,000 two-year contract by the Oregon Department of Transportation to collect outdated and weathered aluminum highway and street signs.

The recovered signs will be treated using a process of "hydrostripping" that removes reflective sign sheeting with a blast of pure water that hits their surface at 36,000 pounds per square inch. The end product of the process, which doesn't use any chemicals, is a blank reusable sign. Any signs that are too damaged will be sold as scrap.

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