Expected recycling policy will cut base costs

  • Published
  • By Diane Kofoed
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Oh. --  Effective Oct. 1, a 100 percent recycling policy will be implemented at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Recycling Center, Bldg. 10293 in Area A, for all paper and cardboard products.

This new is being implemented 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.

During a study that was conducted May 27-30, 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. 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.

"Unfortunately, large amounts of paper and cardboard are thrown in the trash on a daily basis. 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. 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," Dalton said.

The new recycling policy being implemented in October 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 to personnel. For any questions regarding recycling containers or questions concerning exterior recycling dumpsters, contact the recycling center at 937-257-9973.