Reduce, reuse: Recycling still prominent at Elmendorf

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jack Sanders
  • 3rd Wing Public Affairs
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  In a world filled with pollution and environmental disasters some simple acts such as recycling can help to reverse harmful effects on the ecosystems and preserve the world for future generations.

In 1999 Elmendorf Air Force Base was selected as the recipient for the Air Force General Thomas D. White Award for Environmental Restoration, as well as, the 1999 Secretary of Defense Environmental Security Award for Environmental Cleanup.

Since 1999, there have been cut backs in the recycling program here, but the program still remains quite active.

"We handle the recycling and trash pickup," said Mr. Larry Hirai, project manager for Chenega Operations Services on Elmendorf. "We take in steel, cardboard, aluminum, copper and brass (for recycling)."

Before the cut back the recycling program took in mixed paper, plastics number one and two, newsprint, cardboard, and wood that they now no longer accept as recyclables. The program will take these items for trash removal but not recycling.

The cutbacks to the project accrued because the recycling program wasn't collecting enough of some products and were exhausting their manning to collect them.

"Unfortunately, the reason we no longer collect wood is due to not having a facility to compost the wood. So, it's all going to the landfill now," said Mr. Hirai.

For shops on Elmendorf who would like to recycle the accepted items the process is simple. Individuals should bring approved items to building 6254 on Gibson Ave. and place the recyclable items into the correctly labeled containers.

"We do have some containers out in the field around buildings like heavy equipment and the snow barn where they put steel," said Mr. Hirai.

People can bring whatever items they like to the recycling facility, however only steel, cardboard, aluminum, copper and brass will be recycled. All other items will be disposed. "If (people) want to recycle (items we don't recycle like) mixed paper or plastic then they would have to go to Alaska Recycling, which is located on the corner of Dowling and Rosewood. (For items like) T.V. and electronic equipment, which are called e-waste would go to Total Reclaim, in the Huffman business park."

While it's always a good idea to recycle the base populous can assist in the process by closing dumpster lids and not parking in front of the dumpsters.

There have also been instances of oversized items being stuffed into the dumpsters or items being placed in the wrong bins. Open dumpsters increases the risk of attracting animals and prevents removal of items from the dumpsters.

Mr. Hirai said he's confident the problems will diminish, and hopes more people will begin to recycle.

It takes a community to begin cleaning the world, but the conjoined actions of some can have a large impact.