One man's trash is another man's burden

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Erin O'Shea
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England-- --  The day finally comes when that old television you have been watching breaks and is no longer useful. Many people don't think twice about walking outside their home or dorm room, and disposing of the broken equipment in the nearest dumpster. This act alone, is not only costing the Air Force money, but is against the law in both the U.K and the U.S.

"The issue right now is people are dumping household waste at dumpster locations. It is building up and will soon look like a land fill," says Ashley Sadorra, 48th CES environmental elements chief.

Unauthorized dumping of household waste at non-permitted dumping locations is an increasingly growing issue not only on Royal Air Force Lakenheath and RAF Feltwell, but across the Air Force.

Continual dumping will result in health concerns and a decrease in the quality of life across base. Unauthorized items can become toxic and produce harmful fumes. Legal household waste centers are located away from communities and homes as they can attract rats and pests overtime. When small dumping locations start compiling on base, a much larger problem can arise.

In the past three years, more than $250,000 has been spent in removing household waste from the on-base dumpster sites. The ongoing spending in support of controlling these actions will not be sustainable for long. There is a future guidance memorandum that will be in place which will help alleviate illegal dumping.

"The memorandum will be a supplement to our solid waste management plan and people will be punished if they are caught," says Sadorra.

Violating these rules is punishable for all civilian personnel, DoD employees, and contractor personnel. Violaters will be subject to punitive action under Article 92 of the UCMJ as well as other adverse administrative actions such as revoked driving privileges, loss of on-base housing privileges, and a ban from base.

"People should know that if they violate this law, they will be held accountable and there will be no tolerance to this policy," says Sadorra.

Proper household waste disposal and recycling centers are located in both Mildenhalll and in Thetford. It is encouraged to report any offenders to the 48th CES or Security Forces Squadron by taking down vehicle registration information.

If you would like to volunteer or have further questions on this concern, contact Ashley Sadorra at 226-3990.