WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- A 100 percent recycling policy has been implemented at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Recycling Center, Bldg. 10293 in Area A, for all paper and cardboard products. This new policy is being implemented in order to benefit the base by reducing Wright-Patterson's environmental footprint and also to generate revenue for the base that comes by way of selling recyclable materials.

The Air Force Research Laboratory's Advanced Power Technology Office and a team from the University of Dayton Research Institute completed an evaluation of Wright-Patterson AFB's waste stream earlier in the year. The research team identified four waste   categories present on base: dorms/housing,green/landscaping, office/ commercial and food waste. A sampling was taken from waste bins representative of the four identified types of waste.

The results of the study found that Wright-Patterson AFB's waste was similar to other installations with the exception of unrecycled paper and plastic. High usage of paper and plastic reflect the structure of Wright-Patterson AFB with several offices and high mission capacities contributing to the waste factor. The recycling of these materials would bring revenue to the base while decreasing the base's environmental footprint, according to David Dalton recycling program manager.

"The recycling center has an active recycling program for all paper   products and the implementation of this policy, if adhered to, will create an influx of up to 33 percent more product to recycle," Dalton said. "This will not only help the recycling center financially, but it will also help reduce the solid waste costs for the base as well as reduce the amount of refuses being deposited in our local landfills,"

The new recycling policy also mandates use of the recycling center's shredding service for controlled unclassified information (CUI), including personally identifiable information and for official use only paper. Organizations are unnecessarily spending funds on contracted shredding services while the recycling center's processes and procedures have been examined and approved by the 88th Air Base Wing Information   Protection office.

The Information Protection office continues to provide training and oversight functions for the handling, safeguarding and transportation of all CUI under the control of recycling center personnel. Contracted shredding services are no longer to be utilized by Wright-Patterson organizations for disposal of CUI paper. For classified destruction guidance, contact the Information Protection office at 937-255-4441.

Paper and cardboard collection dumpsters are located near buildings across the installation. In addition, desk bins, office collection containers and CUI containers are available. For any questions regarding recycling containers or exterior recycling dumpsters, contact the recycling center at 257-9973.