By Spc. KaRonda Fleming
210th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
LSA ANACONDA, Iraq -- A small thing like recycling can now potentially save a life under a new program started this month.
The pallet recovery program will reuse the wooden storage platforms that come with the water bottles distributed throughout the area. Servicemembers can bring the empty pallets to the Class I Yard.
Tom Edwards, Program Manager for Al-Morrell Development, said the pallet recovery program will save money, due to costs of lumber and fuel, yet it can also save the lives of truck drivers.
The drivers have to bring the lumber in from Kuwait to Iraq, and the less they have to ship will help limit explosive device attacks or gunfire, he said.
Logistical Support Area Anaconda and Camp Victory are currently participating in the recycling program. There are plans to expand the program to other locations, including Al Asad, Camp Spicher, Q-West, and al Taqaddum.
Approximately 2,100 kilograms of resin, the pellet-like material used to form plastic bottles, are shipped on a single pallet from Kuwait. It only takes 27 grams to make a single water bottle, Edwards said.
This translates to more than 77,000 water bottles shipped in on a single pallet, once the water bottles are formed.
"This program will create a significant savings," said Edwards. "On average, 120 to 150 pallets are shipped in per week. After the manufacture of the water, one pallet will hold a total of 720 one liter water bottles," said Edwards.
Logistical Support Area Anaconda, Camp Victory, Al Asad, Camp Spicher, Q-West, and al Taqaddum all manufacture the water supply within their base, said Capt. Mark G. Keisler, 40th Corps Support Group, class I-officer in charge.