Photo By Sgt. Jennifer Spiker | Soldiers lend a hand during the annual free shredding event at Fort Bliss Nov. 6,...... read more read more
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FORT BLISS, Texas – “There is a famous saying, ‘We don’t inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children,’” said Terri Smythe, recycling project manager here.
The landfill facility here on Fort Bliss is scheduled to close in 2016, said Lilia Lenhart, environmental engineer and Fort Bliss qualified recycling program manager. Waste will soon be routed to an off-post facility nearly 25 miles away. With this change comes a higher price tag and greater environmental impact, making waste management and recycling more important than ever.
“When I started in this business, the reason I liked recycling was because I had two young kids and I wanted them to grow up in a nice environment,” said Lenhart. “I wanted to do something that would make a contribution for the future.”
The Department of Defense mandates military installations meet specific solid waste diversion goals each year. In 2015, 50 percent of non-hazardous solid waste must be recycled or redirected from landfills.
The Fort Bliss recycling center launched the recycle heroes campaign in 2012, recognizing individuals who have taken initiative, influenced the amount of waste on post and continually strive to lessen the ‘carbon bootprint.’ The recycling center is now accepting nominations for a new round of recycle heroes who will be named in September.
“You don’t have to go out and become a recycle hero but it’s really easy to become one,” Smythe said. “To be a recycle hero just recycle right and recycle more.”
The recycling center urges everyone to use the blue receptacles and dumpsters across base or the drop-off location at building 1336 on Marshall Road, which accepts paper products, flattened cardboard, all plastics, plastic bags, aluminum and tin. Shredded paper must be tied in clear plastic bags prior to recycling. Items not accepted for recycling include glass, Styrofoam, wood, trash, tires, liquids, yard waste, hazardous materials, food, or furniture. Individuals living off-post are also encouraged to use this facility.
“It’s so easy,” Smythe said. “It’s just making sure that what you have either goes in the trash, because its not recyclable and cannot be reused, or it goes in the recycling bin.”
The Grand Challenge, a monthly recycling competition modeled after incentivized programs at other Army installations, invites units to monitor their own day-to-day recycling and waste habits. Each month the top unit is selected to receive $1,000 and named the Grand Challenge winner. The winner is chosen based upon a monthly inspection which awards points for how well each unit is following the recycling program guidelines and sorting waste.
“It’s not based on how much you recycle, it’s based on recycling correctly,” said Lenhart.
Battalions can opt to compete in the Grand Challenge by contacting the recycling center and booking a time to complete training.
All profits from the recycling program are used to benefit the Fort Bliss community through Morale, Welfare and Recreation Program. MWR uses the funds to resurface playgrounds, purchase exercise equipment, and improve the quality of life for everyone on base.
“Recycling isn't the only strategy we use in combating waste. We teach everyone to reduce their use, reuse it, recycle it, repair it, or repurpose it. At the end of the day if nothing else can be done, recycle it,” said Smythe.
For more information on the Fort Bliss Recycling Program or to participate in the Grand Challenge, please contact the Fort Bliss Recycling Center at 915-568-1537.
| Date Taken: | 09.15.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 09.15.2015 18:28 |
| Story ID: | 176143 |
| Location: | FORT BLISS, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 243 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Watch your waste; Fort Bliss cuts down on trash, by Lauren Harrah, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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