Support recycling to live green, save green

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Neal X. Joiner
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  While many have heard of the benefits recycling provides for the environment, most may not be aware that RAF Mildenhall saved approximately $88,000 in 2012 fiscal year.

The recycling center, comprised of a three-man crew, provides salvaging services to RAF Mildenhall through three public-use site. Additionally, the recycling center offers pickup service at 80 base locations.

Last year, the center diverted just over 560 U.S. tons of recycling material from going into on-base dumpsters as solid waste. This solid waste would have ended up at UK landfill sites and the base would have been charged roughly $38,000 in landfill costs. Moreover, by separating and processing this material, $50,000 was recouped from the commercial sale of the recycled material.

However, there's more that RAF Mildenhall personnel can do. Last year, more than 900 U.S. tons of solid waste went into dumpsters around the base destined for landfills. The base was charged $77,000 in fees for this disposal. To increase recycling and reduce landfill waste, base patrons can help by ensuring all recyclable items are properly separated for pickup.

"There are numerous recycling sites around base open for public use and we also offer a curbside pickup for most units," said Rory Palmer, Recycling Center manager. "It's just a case of personnel taking the time to put the items out for recycling."

The RAF Mildenhall Recycling Center accepts cardboard, plastic, cans, paper, magazines, glass, toner cartridges and scrap metal for recycling. For information on curbside pickup times at your unit, contact your facility manager.

The center, located at building 818 near the south side gate, also accepts recycling drop off Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

For more information about the recycling program here, call DSN at 238-5551 or commercial 01638-545551.