Robins DRMO does the 'green thing' Published March 14, 2008 By Amanda Creel 78 ABW/PA Robins Air Force Base, GA -- Fans of the Web site www.freecycle.org who thought the concept of reuse in a vast network was a new idea, should take a second look at the Robins Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office. For Department of Defense members and federal and state agencies "new to you" equipment or merchandise may be a phone call or click away. "We do the green thing," said Penny Rodgers, a property disposal specialist. The DRMO houses all sorts of materials used at Robins such as nuts and bolts, lawnmowers, furniture and computers. The items are turned into the office when they are no longer needed or wanted by Robins employees. Once items are turned in, staff members post the items to the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service's Web site where government agencies can acquire them. Many members of the Robins community are surprised the local DRMO is back up and running. The service, which had been downsized, has been back since July 2007. But the DRMO staff said many members of the Robins community are unaware the office and its services are available again. The office offers several services including the opportunity to turn in unneeded equipment for reuse or for demilitarization. The office also handles hazardous materials and waste for all government agencies in the state of Georgia. "They turn their items into us and we recycle, reuse or dispose of them," said Darlene Crawford, environmental protection specialist. When items become available for reuse, first choice is given to other DOD missions. Then other government agencies are given an opportunity to obtain them before the merchandise is offered up for sale. "Anything that has been procured through government funds has to come here. We will get calls asking, 'can we just throw this away?' and they can't do that," Ms. Rodgers said. However, Ms. Rodgers, said offices on base are welcome to trade or donate items to one another. "It's OK as long as they don't put it in their pick-up truck and take it home," she said. If offices can't find another home for items here at the base, they should be turned in to the DRMO office. Reuse is big business for the DOD and during fiscal 2007 alone, the DRMS saved $2.1 Billion based on the value of property, which is based on the purchase price. Members of the DRMO staff said it is rewarding to help government employees locate items they need, while saving money. "If we can find them a forklift that is functional, even if it isn't new, then that is money we save and can use for other items," said Danny Snow, area manager for the DRMO Warner Robins hub.