Providence hosts ribbon cutting of new Urban Wood Depot

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The City of Providence and Sawmill Enterprises celebrated the ribbon cutting of the new Urban Wood Depot in South Providence on Monday.

“The Wood Lot,” spanning over 42,000 square feet, is designed to be an “community-oriented alternative to traditional wood disposal.”

“Each year… we collect a significant volume of wood from tree car, urban forestry work, pruning, storm clean up, removals, et cetera, and in the past we had to spend money to dispose of this product. Now, what we’re doing is turning what was a liability into an asset for the city,” Mayor Brett Smiley said.

According to the City of Providence, materials from the facility will be available to the community for a free or low-cost, and improve urban agriculture and sustainable development in the city.

“Providence is committed to taking meaningful steps to reduce waste and build a more sustainable, resilient community,” Smiley said. “The Wood Lot highlights this commitment by turning urban forestry waste into valuable resources that benefit our neighborhoods…Through this project, we’re creating new opportunities for education, economic growth and a greener city.”

The Providence Redevelopment Agency, the City’s Health and Human Services, and the Providence Parks Department helped fund the depot.