News

Dash For Trash initiative ends, recycling remains year-round goal

  • Published
  • By Lanorris Askew
  • Robins Public Affairs
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  The second annual Dash For Trash, an installation-wide 60-day housekeeping initiative held in conjunction with April's Earth Month, came to an end June 5 and during that short period nearly 1,000 tons of recyclables were collected.

"The purpose of this event was to encourage, educate and assist the workforce in the disposal of obsolete materials," said Scott Hastings, 78th Civil Engineer Squadron director. "The targeted categories were refuse and pallets, recyclables, hazardous waste, furniture and other unused government equipment."

According to the final figures 218.35 tons of wood was recycled, 577.52 tons of municipal solid waste refuse and 181.81 tons of Happy Hour Commodities were recycled including paper, plastic, aluminum, glass and cardboard.

Municipal Solid Waste is trash or garbage generated from a community. It consists of everyday items that we use and then throw away such as product packaging, grass clippings, furniture, clothing, bottles, food scraps, and newspapers.

While the Dash For Trash initiative is over, the recycling program is a year-round endeavor and Team Robins is urged to continue the mission of recycling.

"Robins has a robust recycling program and yet many people don't realize how many materials can be recycled on base or who to contact to accomplish their desired recycling needs," said Casey Lucas, Environmental Management Branch Solid Waste program manager. "I believe this effort can continue to grow awareness of the recycling program and to help maintain the work and play areas of Robins."

The base recycling center opened in July 2012 and is located in Bldg. 987 behind the Exchange. The center has 16 convenient drive-up windows with slide open access where recyclables can be dropped inside. All are labeled, to include mixed, brown and clear glass; metal/aluminum cans; plastics; white or mixed paper; cardboard and newspapers; and toner cartridges.