Proper recycling procedures on base outlined Published Nov. 6, 2007 By Frank Carpenter 341st Civil Engineer Squadron MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- What is recycling? Recycling is a three-step process. Collecting used materials is the important first step. The second step involves using recovered materials as feedstock in the manufacture of new products. The final step is purchasing and using the recycled products. Why collect recyclables? Recyclables are materials that still have useful physical or chemical properties after serving their original purpose and that can, therefore, be reused or remanufactured into new products. Collecting recyclables reduces waste disposal costs by diverting materials from waste. Recycling can also provide revenues through the sale of collected materials. In addition, collecting recyclables helps to ensure an adequate supply of raw materials for manufacturing recycled products. Recycling also has important environmental benefits, including the conservation of energy, natural resources and valuable landfill capacity. What materials can be recycled? Generally, materials that have recycling potential are those that can be collected in quantity, free of contamination, and which can be economically transported to a processor or end user. A decision to collect materials will also depend on such factors as the costs and revenues involved, employee interest, local solid waste laws and corporate environmental policy. The following materials are most commonly recycled: Paper Most paper is recyclable. Mixed office paper includes nearly all waste paper generated in an office, such as white and colored paper, file folders and manila envelopes. Malmstrom has a large number of mixed office paper containers located at most every building on base. It is picked up on a bi-weekly basis and it is the responsibility of the building occupants to ensure the paper bins are taken out for pickup. Housing residents have bi-weekly curbside pickup. Corrugated Containers (Cardboard) The commercial sector in the United States generates more corrugated cardboard than any other single waste material. Cardboard is a very good candidate for recycling because it is easily separated from other materials. In addition, because of its bulk, collecting cardboard for recycling can significantly reduce the volume of waste requiring disposal. This can reduce the number of trash pickups or the size of solid waste containers needed, thereby lowering disposal costs. Cardboard is more desirable to buyers if contaminants are removed and boxes are flattened and baled. Cardboard can be placed in specific containers placed strategically around base and at the base recycle center next to the Skills Development Center. Housing residents have bi-weekly curbside pickup. Glass Many buyers require collected glass be separated by color (clear, green and brown) before pickup, although some will accept mixed glass. Typically, broken glass and paper labels are acceptable. Most buyers require, however, that glass be clean and free of such contaminants as bottle caps, ceramics and light bulbs. There are mixed glass recycle containers at the recycle center and housing residents have bi-weekly curbside pickup of mixed glass. Metal Aluminum, tin and steel cans, aluminum foil and other scrap metals are readily recyclable. Some metals, such as copper and aluminum, yield a high market price. Are you aware an aluminum can that is recycled will be reused again within 60 days? On Malmstrom there are containers at the recycle center. Housing residents have bi-weekly curbside pickup. Large metal items from work areas should be turned in to the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office, building 1531, or placed curbside for housing residents. Plastic While plastics recycling is a relatively young industry, it is expected to expand as processing technologies develop. Mixed plastics are used to manufacture items such as recycled plastic park benches, garbage containers and highway barriers. Manufacturers and other commercial enterprises with large volumes of plastic waste often can find markets for these large quantities. Malmstrom has partnered with Big Sky Pipe to establish a plastics recycling program on base. A trailer is located at the recycle center. Due to the lack of a viable plastics market, curbside plastic pick up in housing is not offered at this time.