Liberty Wing Airmen initiate dorm recycling program

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Dana J. Butler
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  After humble beginnings, the dorm recycling program is being lauded as a huge success.

Dorm councils from the 48th Maintenance Group and 48th Medical Group initiated a recycling program last year and are now able to see results after recently adding aluminum and plastic recycling bins in the dorms.

"The recycling program is a great success right now," said Senior Airman Christopher Hood, 48th Component Maintenance Squadron aircraft fuels systems journeyman and 48th CMS dorm council president.

After bringing the idea to base leadership and working with the recycling center on feasibility, the dorm councils spearheaded the initiative.

The recycling program initially started with just two cardboard recycling bins around the dorms.

"We decided to start small," said Tom Harrison, 48th Civil Engineer Squadron chief of unaccompanied housing.

In November 2012 the program grew to include multiple aluminum and plastic recycling bins around the dorms as well.

"In the past the program was unsuccessful because people were throwing trash and not recyclable items in the bins," Harrison said. "The difference with this program is that the dorm councils initiated it, oversee it and ensure that people are only throwing away recyclable items in the bins."

Not only is the base saving money with the recycling program, but the dorms have also started a water efficiency initiative that replaced shower heads and sink faucets in some of the dorm buildings.

"The water efficiency initiative saves approximately 7.8 million gallons of water and $120,000 a year," Harrison said. "Those are some serious numbers."

The success from the recycling program and water efficiency initiative is not only good for the base but for the Airmen as well.

"This is a great initiative for our younger Airmen to get them more involved in recycling and conservation," said Tech. Sgt. Otremba, 48th CES recycling program manager. "It's also helps get our younger Airmen more informed on the right thing to do for the environment."

According to Harrison this is just the beginning phase and they are looking to further expand their efforts in the future.

"Next we're going to expand and hopefully double the amount of recycling bins around the dorms," said Harrison. "This is just the beginning; the sky is the limit."