Responsible recycling saves base dollars

  • Published
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  In an economic climate where every penny counts, Team Aviano members are refining their habits to help save base funds while also supporting the environment.

Aviano Air Base has seen a recent decrease in refuse costs largely due to people taking the time to better sort their trash and recycling into the proper containers, according to Tech. Sgt. Bryan Butsch, 31st Civil Engineer Squadron.

Butsch said while the contract for waste disposal requires the base to pay per kilogram to dispose of non-recyclable material, there is no cost to remove appropriately sorted recyclable materials such as plastic, paper/cardboard and aluminum/glass. If people discard recyclables with non-recyclable refuse, the base pays for the weight of both, he added.

"With everyone's efforts, recycling costs have been going down," said Butsch. "However, we are always looking to improve. Our goal for Aviano is to reduce the weight for non-recyclables."

"Besides keeping the environment clean and following Italian law and our [Air Force Instruction], it's important the base recycles because of the cost savings," said Butsch. "We as military members have an opportunity to save money just by throwing our waste in the correct bins."

The 31st Civil Engineer Squadron has refocused their efforts to help educate the base on proper recycling techniques.

"We have some signs on the bins that have examples of what waste goes in each bin," said Butsch. "CE is also responsible for educating everyone at Right Start and all facility managers."

According to Butsch, workcenters can also help by setting up smaller recycling bins around the office to ensure all waste is being properly recycled.

"It only takes one person in an office to know how to properly recycle," said Butsch. "Make it a big deal that they threw their soda can in the wet waste bin."

For more information on recycling in your area, contact your base CES.