Photo By Laurie Pearson | Chad Gutierrez, Qualified Recycling Program driver, empties the “Cardboard Only”...... read more read more
Negligence in recycling causes fines and jeopardizes the future of the Qualified Recycling Program aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, California.
“Mixing in trash with any recycling bin or cardboard dumpster results in fees charged by the vendor, thus decreasing our proceeds,” explained Arley Lessard, Qualified Recycling Program manager. “This causes us to lose money on recyclables. The more proceeds we are able to make, the more we can do with the program and more we can give back to the installation.”
With market prices dropping, and enough revenue lost due to fees, the more likely the program will be shut down in the near future. This effects more than just landfills. Jobs are at stake, as well as various other programs around the base, such as the Marine Corps Ball and other base functions.
“At this time, I have to get out and inspect the ‘cardboard only’ dumpsters before I empty them, and I keep finding bags of trash,” said Chad Gutierrez, QRP driver. “The main issue is negligence and laziness in regards to cardboard that has caused overall revenue to decrease due to the mingling of trash and recyclables. Take your time and read the dumpster labels before tossing your bags. We need your help as base employees for this program to be a success.”
“The QRP is a self-sufficient program,” Lessard explained. “After operating costs (labor, transportation, supplies, etc.), any leftover funding may be used to support morale and welfare activities for our Marines, civilians, and families. This includes Marine Corps Community Services events, Marine Corps Ball, and more.”
Essentially, QRP funding first covers all operation costs, the remaining funds are then voted on by the QRP Committee, which is comprised of 16 members. The members range from Executive Officer, to Base Sergeant Major, to directors or members of myriad divisions on base. A quorum of 11 of the 16 members must be present for voting to occur. They can then decide how best to use the remaining funds, to support MWR activities.
Currently, QRP currently consists of and funds a program manager and motor vehicle operator.
Over the past few years, the funds generated have fluctuated slightly.
“For Fiscal Year 2016, the program generated approximately $68,000,” Lessard said. “During FY 2017 - $118,000. For FY 2018 - $122,000. However, for FY 2019, which ends at the end of next month, we have currently brought in merely $56,000.”
“We are taking measures within Environmental to paint dumpsters a separate color to avoid confusion,” Gutierrez said. “The majority of the dumpsters on base are older and worn due to wear and tear and can be confused with a trash dumpster. We are also in the process of ordering numerous other blue bins to assist with overflow.”
Commingled recyclables (bottles, cans, paper, etc.) are collected in the blue recycle bins and sent to a Materials Recovery Facility.
“In FY17, these materials brought in a revenue of $753. However, in FY18 the percentage of residue (or trash) mixed in the recycling went from 7 percent to 32 percent,” she explained. “The cost of processing fees plus the fines charged for residue now outweigh the amount of revenue generated to where we are now paying an average of $100 a month, instead of earning income for the program.”
California’s 75 Percent Initiative requires the base to meet a 75 percent diversion rate by the year 2020. Meaning 75 percent of items normally sent to a landfill must be diverted to recycling facilities.
“MCLB Barstow has not only met, but exceeded, this goal with diversion rates above 80 percent since FY16,” Lessard said. “We have started looking into other higher-paying vendors even if that means going the extra distance and have plans to purchase recycling equipment, such as a baler to process cardboard, bottles and cans. These improvements, however, would not be possible without the funds to support it.”
Per Base Order 4160.1B, here is some of the guidance regarding recycling materials on base: Commingled recyclables: Blue 95-gallon recycling containers have been distributed on both Nebo and Yermo sides of the base and are collected weekly.
DO NOT PLACE TRASH in recycle bins!
Cardboard: Flatten cardboard and place it in the nearest metal dumpster marked “Cardboard Only.” Cardboard collection is done on a weekly basis. DO NOT PLACE TRASH in the “CARDBOARD ONLY” dumpsters!
Plastic bottles/Aluminum cans: Place bottles and cans in segregated containers, if available, and contact the QRP manager for pick up when full. If a segregated container is not available, please place them in the large, blue recycling bins.
Shredded Paper: All shredded paper shall be placed into clear plastic bags and placed into the large,blue recycling bins.
Brass: Contact the QRP manager to schedule turn-in or spent brass shell casings. Containers must be certified as containing “no live ordnance” and proper documentation must be provided.
“Now that our driver position has been filled, which has been vacant for many months, we have a good team along with the Environmental Director to take the initiative to enhance the recycling program,” Lessard said.
“Please feel free to call or email with ideas on how we can improve QRP, there is no such bad thing as a bad idea,” Gutierrez said. “We are a team and for a team to be successful, communication is vital.”
For additional information on other recyclable items and for specific recycling guidance, refer to Base Order 4160.1B. You may also call Arley Lessard, QRP manager with the Environmental Division at (760) 577-6941.
| Date Taken: | 08.22.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 08.22.2019 12:23 |
| Story ID: | 336915 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE BARSTOW, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 25 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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