Syracuse Sun

Published on September 4, 2024

The City of Syracuse Department of Public Works (DPW) is pilot testing an innovative approach to infrastructure by using recycled glass as a cement replacement in concrete. This initiative, a collaborative effort with Riccelli-Northern and KLAW Industries, aims to create high-performance, low-carbon infrastructure. The test projects include sidewalk upgrades on North McBride Street, Hickory Street, and Union Avenue.

“We’re always looking for the most effective and sustainable approaches to constructing and maintaining city infrastructure,” said DPW Commissioner Jeremy Robinson. “Based on the results of this testing, we can determine if the solution can be expanded to more sidewalks and, possibly, other applications.”

"These projects are proof of the City of Syracuse's commitment to supporting New York-based companies and deploying cost-effective, sustainable materials. We're excited to see the City become a leader in sustainable infrastructure deployment in partnership with Riccelli-Northern," said Jacob Kumpon, Chief Operating Officer of KLAW Industries.

KLAW Industries, a Binghamton recycling company, utilizes a patented process to pulverize broken glass into a fine powder that can replace a portion of the cement in concrete mixtures. In the City's recent projects, this recycled glass replaced 20% of the cement, reducing the carbon footprint and enhancing the concrete's performance and durability.

This initiative follows the successful adoption of the technology by the City of Binghamton and the New York State Department of Transportation. These efforts have garnered support from notable institutions like SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry and Clarkson University, reinforcing the scientific and environmental validity of this approach.

The City of Syracuse projects mark the first major infrastructure deployment of this technology in Central New York, showcasing the practicality and benefits of using low-carbon materials in local construction.

The partnership, spearheaded by Riccelli-Northern, Michael McConnell Concrete, and the City has already delivered low-carbon ADA-compliant sidewalks in Syracuse without incurring additional costs. Riccelli-Northern aims to become the primary supplier of these sustainable materials within Central New York.

The collaboration between KLAW Industries and Riccelli-Northern serves as a model for other municipalities and commercial enterprises seeking sustainable infrastructure solutions.