CARBONDALE, Ill. (AP) – Southern Illinois University at Carbondale is recycling its roads and saving up to $40,000 a year.

The (Carbondale) Southern Illinoisan reports (http://bit.ly/21BTWL5) that the university is grinding up concrete and asphalt roads and sidewalks for re-use. The leftover material can be used in maintenance of roads and parking lots and for future construction projects.

Superintendent of Grands Dave Tippy says it’s also a commitment to SIU’s green initiatives.

In addition to saving money on new materials, the program saves money on hauling waste to the landfill. In December, SIU recycled 188 tons of concrete, 500 tons of asphalt and seven tons of metal – mostly rebar and wire mesh.