AFL recently announced its partnership with Sonoco to provide a free wooden-reel removal and recycling service for AFL customers. Through Sonoco’s EcoReel Recycling Program, AFL customers can have their wooden reels picked up at no cost for reuse and recycling, “effectively reducing waste and promoting responsible recycling practices,” AFL said when announcing its participation.

The company added that EcoReel “is the industry’s most comprehensive and cost-effective nailed wood recycling program. Through this program, AFL and Sonoco aim to address the growing concern of wooden reel waste in the telecommunications industry.”

“Environmental sustainability aligns with AFL’s core values, and this partnership reflects our commitment to preserving the environment while supporting our customers’ sustainability goals,” said Geoff VanderVeen, AFL’s director of environment, health and safety.

The EcoReel Recycling Program has been in place for more than 20 years, diverting wooden reels from landfills by picking them up, repairing and refurbishing them, then returning them to circulation for reuse.

In a statement announcing its participation in EcoReel, AFL pointed out that in a single five-year period, the EcoReel program has received nearly 2 billion pounds of reels for recycling, saved users more than $36 million in disposal costs, and protected more than 300,000 trees.

“This partnership between these companies signifies a significant step towards a greener future,” AFL added. “By providing the option for recycling of wooden reels, AFL and its customers are actively contributing to reducing their carbon footprint.”