Installation continues to grow recycling program Published Jan. 11, 2013 By Jenny Gordon Robins Public Affairs ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Everyone can play a part when it comes to recycling materials. The Qualified Recycling Program at Robins has three sources of income - those generated from the Happy Hour Service Center in Warner Robins, QRP scrap metal operations and the Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Service. In fiscal 2012, the program recycled more than 892 tons of scrap metal, three tons of used oil and 58 tons of batteries. The scrap metal recycling yard was opened in 2010, providing scrap metal drop-off and collection services to increase revenue. Scrap metal collection in fiscal 2012 was $381,044, an increase of $78,802 from fiscal 2011. Happy Hour, which picks up items three days a week from various collection points on base, gathered 482 tons of cardboard, 429 tons of paper, 11 tons of aluminum, 49 tons of glass and 45 tons of plastics, generating revenue of $162,823 last fiscal year. This was more than an $11,000 increase from the previous fiscal year. "The whole idea is to divert what we can out of the landfill and recycle or reuse it," said Darryl Mercer, QRP operations manager with the 78th Civil Engineer Group. Another key element that contributes to the success of the QRP is the partnership with DLA-DS. QRP-eligible materials, such as aluminum, copper wire, iron, steel and small arms brass that are turned into DLA-DS, are sold and the proceeds are deposited into a QRP Suspense account. Through these efforts $436,000 of revenue was generated in 2012. The program's goal is in line with the Department of Defense Strategic Sustainability Performance Plan, which has established the solid waste diversion rate goal of 55 percent by the end of fiscal 2015. A goal of 65 percent must be met by the end of fiscal 2020. The recycling center, which opened in summer 2012, includes a 2,700-square-foot facility located behind the Base Exchange and Auto Hobby Shop. You can drive up to the front of the building, slide a window open for a particular item such as glass, aluminum or paper and cardboard, and drop recyclables into bins located inside. As of first quarter fiscal 2013, the recycling center accumulated 245 tons of recyclables; in fiscal 2012, 242 tons. This is encouraging news as word gets out about the new building and items that can be dropped off in one convenient location. "We need to continue to get the word out for people to know that we are here," said Mercer. "We're open 24 hours a day, seven days a week." There has also been the addition of print cartridge bins, located at the far end of the building. "Looking ahead, we are looking into expanding our recycling program, and how we can capture items such as plastic bags and shrink wrap, for example, and to meet our goal to divert items away from the landfill," he said.