PSE&G Sustainability: Leading Waste Reduction, Recycling & Community Impact
We believe responsible business practices begin with protecting the environment and supporting the communities we serve. That commitment drives our ongoing efforts to reduce waste, reuse materials and partner with organizations that create positive change. By conserving resources and finding value in materials that might otherwise be discarded, we deliver both environmental and economic benefits. Whether through recycling initiatives or equipment reuse, we are guided by a simple principle: the way we operate matters. We continue to explore innovative approaches to lessen our environmental footprint while maximizing benefits for our communities.
Advancing sustainable waste management
Through intentional waste-reduction strategies centered on reducing, reusing and recycling, we actively manage materials generated by our operations and limit the amount sent to landfills and incinerators. Whenever possible, materials are repurposed or reused, and items in good condition are regularly donated to local nonprofits and community organizations. These practices allow us to operate more sustainably while supporting a circular economy that prioritizes efficiency and environmental stewardship.
In 2024, our utility operations generated 524,700 metric tons of material, more than 86% of which was successfully recycled. Recovered materials included concrete, construction debris and other reusable resources. We continue to identify new opportunities to expand recycling programs and work closely with employees and contractors to strengthen sustainable waste practices across our operations.
“The continued progress and success of this program reflect strong leadership and a clear commitment to minimizing waste,” said Rob Pollock, Senior Director of Environmental Projects & Services, PSE&G.
Recognized for leadership
Our recycling efforts have been recognized with Recycling Champion awards from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection in both 2020 and 2024. These honors highlight the effectiveness of our recycling programs and our dedication to ongoing improvement.
We have also consistently outperformed industry benchmarks. While the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has set a national goal of reaching a 50% recycling rate by 2030, and the New Jersey DEP targets 60%, our operations have historically achieved recycling rates as high as 90%.
Recycling in practice
Advancing sustainable waste management
Through intentional waste-reduction strategies centered on reducing, reusing and recycling, we actively manage materials generated by our operations and limit the amount sent to landfills and incinerators. Whenever possible, materials are repurposed or reused, and items in good condition are regularly donated to local nonprofits and community organizations. These practices allow us to operate more sustainably while supporting a circular economy that prioritizes efficiency and environmental stewardship.
In 2024, our utility operations generated 524,700 metric tons of material, more than 86% of which was successfully recycled. Recovered materials included concrete, construction debris and other reusable resources. We continue to identify new opportunities to expand recycling programs and work closely with employees and contractors to strengthen sustainable waste practices across our operations.
“The continued progress and success of this program reflect strong leadership and a clear commitment to minimizing waste,” said Rob Pollock, Senior Director of Environmental Projects & Services, PSE&G.
Recognized for leadership
Our recycling efforts have been recognized with Recycling Champion awards from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection in both 2020 and 2024. These honors highlight the effectiveness of our recycling programs and our dedication to ongoing improvement.
We have also consistently outperformed industry benchmarks. While the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has set a national goal of reaching a 50% recycling rate by 2030, and the New Jersey DEP targets 60%, our operations have historically achieved recycling rates as high as 90%.
Recycling in practice
- Wetland mat recovery
Our approach to recycling and reusing timber wetland mats—used to stabilize heavy equipment on soft terrain—demonstrates how we extend the life of valuable materials. After project completion, mats are inspected, cleaned and evaluated for reuse. When reuse is not feasible, responsible recycling options are pursued. In 2023 alone, more than 2,500 tons of wetland mats were diverted from landfills, underscoring our commitment to sustainable operations.
- Pallet recovery program
Launched in April 2022, our pallet recycling program has become a highly effective and cost-efficient initiative. Instead of disposing of wooden pallets, they are now recycled or donated to nonprofit organizations. Since the program began, it has delivered measurable results:
- Over 26,000 pallets recycled or reused
- The equivalent of 3,250 trees preserved
- $220,000 saved in waste disposal costs
- 520 tons of wood waste diverted from landfills
The program has expanded significantly, growing from six sites to 25 locations across the utility. In July 2025, it reached a new milestone by recycling 1,088 pallets in a single month.
Beyond environmental benefits, the pallet program supports local communities. One of its primary beneficiaries is America’s Grow-A-Row, a nonprofit that provides fresh produce to families in need throughout New Jersey and beyond. By donating pallets, we help reduce the organization’s operating costs, allowing more resources to be directed toward growing and distributing food.
“PSEG’s pallet donations help us safely deliver fresh, healthy food to people who need it most while freeing up resources we can reinvest into feeding even more families,” said Tristan Wallack, Vice President of Programming & Operations, America’s Grow-A-Row.
Moving forward
Our commitment to responsible operations extends beyond reducing waste—it’s about building stronger communities. As we continue to grow our recycling and sustainability initiatives, we are proud to see these efforts reduce landfill use, support non-profit partners and create lasting positive impact for the people we serve.
Beyond environmental benefits, the pallet program supports local communities. One of its primary beneficiaries is America’s Grow-A-Row, a nonprofit that provides fresh produce to families in need throughout New Jersey and beyond. By donating pallets, we help reduce the organization’s operating costs, allowing more resources to be directed toward growing and distributing food.
“PSEG’s pallet donations help us safely deliver fresh, healthy food to people who need it most while freeing up resources we can reinvest into feeding even more families,” said Tristan Wallack, Vice President of Programming & Operations, America’s Grow-A-Row.
Moving forward
Our commitment to responsible operations extends beyond reducing waste—it’s about building stronger communities. As we continue to grow our recycling and sustainability initiatives, we are proud to see these efforts reduce landfill use, support non-profit partners and create lasting positive impact for the people we serve.
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