Dumpster decisions help base save money

  • Published
  • By Karen Abeyasekere
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  While the old, big, brown dumpsters on base have been replaced by smaller, sleeker, red dumpsters, they are still not up to the test of disposing of certain items, including recyclables and hazardous materials.

These bins are for general waste only, and must not be used for hazardous materials such as batteries, paint or engine oil, said Janice Tatum, 100th Civil Engineer Squadron Environmental Support.

"Hazardous waste and industrial-type products, such as wooden pallets, can't be disposed of in the red dumpsters," she said. "And recyclable materials, such as plastic bottles, glass, cardboard, paper and cans must never be put in there."

There are specific drop-off areas for recyclable items by the Exchange and behind Building 680, as well as at the recycling center at Building 818, on the south side of base.

"Also, electrical items and appliances such as televisions, coffee makers, kettles, or microwaves - in fact, anything with a cord - are not to be placed in these dumpsters," said Tatum.

"(The contractor) monitors the dumpsters as they are emptied into the garbage trucks - so don't assume your illegal items will go unnoticed," she said, adding that the contractors have refused to empty or take away dumpsters, which means costs for disposal are increased.

Tatum said these items, and more, which can't be placed in the red dumpsters on base, can be legally disposed of off base.

The nearest household waste recycling center to RAF Mildenhall is located just off the "5-Ways" roundabout, towards RAF Lakenheath and Brandon. Full details of other centers can be found online on the website for each local district council.

"Most district councils also offer bulk-item pickup for items including mattresses, washing machines and refrigerators," said Tatum. "These items must not be placed in or near our base dumpsters. As well as monitoring by the contractor, the (100th CES Environmental office) performs spot checks on the dumpsters. We can often determine the dumping-culprit, and we then turn them in to the 100th Security Forces Squadron."

The environmental office advises organizations expecting a large delivery, such as office furniture or new equipment, to either schedule a pickup with the recycling center (DSN 238-5551) at least one week in advance to collect the cardboard packaging, or make arrangements to take those materials directly to Building 818 for recycling.

Tatum said the base is directed by both executive order and Air Force instruction to divert solid waste from landfills.

"While this is reflected in recycling efforts, it's important not to discount reducing and reusing," she said. "Base dumpsters are becoming smaller and fewer. We as an installation must strive to reduce our waste, by reducing our consumption, reusing what we can before just throwing it away and recycling.

"(RAF Mildenhall) pays by the ton for waste sent to landfills, and everyone can help the base reduce this expenditure; it's something every individual can have a positive impact on," she said.

For more information, or to request support in implementing recycling programs at any organization on base, call Tatum at DSN 238-5652. Please note, local councils will charge a fee for pickup of bulk items.

(Information provided by the 100th CES Environmental office)