News

Trash to treasures

  • Published
  • By Brett Kangas
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  It just keeps getting easier and easier.

It used to be that recycling was considered a pain, or at least an inconvenience. First, there had to be enough space to store containers to separate recyclables. Then bags and bins had to be loaded into a vehicle and taken to a place that accepted recycled items. Times have changed, and for Dover Air Force Base, Del., recycling is becoming a way of life.

While a lot of people think recycling is good, they usually will only take part in it if it is convenient for them. However, federal employees may not realize they no longer have a choice in the matter. In 1994, Air Force Policy made recycling mandatory for the federal government and expanded the list of items that have to be recycled.

"It has been my plan to make it as easy and convenient as possible to recycle with the least amount of effort being placed on the customers on base," said Valerie Payton, 436th Civil Engineer Squadron Qualified Recycling Program (QRP) manager.

There are approximately 121 pickup point locations inside the facilities on base, said Ms. Payton.

Each one of those pickup points consists of a paper, glass and cans bin. For those who need to dispose of a lot of cardboard, there are more than 60 large bins located next to the trash dumpsters. If that doesn't make it easy enough, there are also recycling bins available outside the Recycling Center near the North Gate, said Ms. Payton.

"Recycling can be a very lucrative program, however, revenues are based on how well the markets are doing, and where the best sources of sales are located," said Ms. Payton. "In 1996, when the old services squadron was in control of the recycling program, only paper and aluminum cans earned money."

In 2009 alone, the base avoided more than $100,000 in refuse costs and recycled more than 27 million pounds of solid waste. The sale of recyclables in 2010 resulted in revenue for the program totaling more than $93,000, which was a great year in sales in comparison to previous years.

"Our yearly recycling figures are amazing to say the least," said Ms. Payton. Team Dover recycles as much, if not more, than the offices of the State of Delaware.

The QRP began in 1996 and has expanded during its operation. The program, in part, operates on funds gained by selling recyclables. Team Dover's most plentiful recyclable products are construction materials such as concrete, asphalt and scrap metal.

Although the Dover AFB QRP has come a long way, it is not where Ms. Payton knows it could be.

"One hurdle for the QRP is the fact Delaware doesn't have mandatory recycling," said Ms. Payton. "While it's mandatory on base, when our members go home, they are no longer required to recycle. You have to treat recycling as a normal process in life. You cannot treat it as if it is just another job to do."

The Air Force is committed to doing its part in reducing solid waste, preventing pollution and conserving natural resources. By recycling, this lessens the amount of solid wastes that end up in landfills.

"The base's recycling program has come a long way and we do an amazing job. We began only recycling paper and cans; we have really grown and now the base recycles more than 15 different waste streams," said Ms. Payton. "A lot of people are receptive to recycling now. The majority of base personnel and contractors are on board and it's a great help."

(Portions of this story were contributed by Airman 1st Class Matthew Hubby)