REVISITING RECYCLING BENEFITS

27 Nov 2007 | Sgt. Reina Barnett U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific

At some point or another, we've all known or at least seen people in neighborhoods or public parks collecting aluminum cans in hopes of getting some extra spending money from the recycling center for their aluminum finds.  While they may not be a precious metal, aluminum cans and other recyclable items can garner some serious cash for these nifty collectors.  Most everyone likes extra cash, and besides, recycling helps our environment. 

The Recycling and Reuse Center, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, manages all recycling matters on base, and they also service Camp Smith. 

"We began by purchasing recycling bins for Camp Smith and putting them throughout the camp," said James H. Sibert, recycling program manager, MCBH.  "The people I came in contact with were very excited to start a recycling program."

Early on in the program, $15,000 in revenue was generated from recyclable materials alone, said Sibert.  The money generated from recycling efforts goes back to Headquarters Marine Corps' Recycling Program and is used to pay for employees working the program at various

Marine bases.  

Personnel aboard Camp Smith not only displayed their enthusiasm for recycling, their conservation efforts were also seen in cost avoidance; the money saved on other expenses, as a direct result of recycling.

"When a recycling program falls as a casualty, it can triple disposal costs," said Sibert.  "The cost of trash disposal is expensive." 

Recycling reduces the amount of trash in the bins, therefore, reducing the number of times the disposal company has to come out and empty dumpsters. 

"Having a good recycling program can realistically save a base $17,000 a year in trash disposal," he said.

After September 11, Camp Smith's recycling program dwindled. Access to the base became stricter and recycling bins became more of a safety issue for fear of them being used as possible bomb containers. 

It is Sibert's sincere desire to see more people participate in recycling efforts at Camp Smith. 

Currently building 56, located in the parking lot by the provost marshals office here, is the consolidated recycling center for Camp Smith. 

"The building is always open and has bins for white paper, newspapers, aluminum cans, and toner cartridges," said Michael Miranda, motor vehicle operator, recycling center, MCBH. 

Miranda used to drive to Camp Smith twice a week to pick up recyclables and to service the remote locations around the base, now he makes the trip about once a month.

"We are set up to support," said Sibert.  "As long as there is a desire to start a recycling program, we will take it from there.  We generate huge revenues from white paper and aluminum," he continued.

"At one time, Camp Smith recycled more white paper than all of MCBH." 

By recycling materials that we consistently throw away, we are being more effective and efficient in helping to reduce unnecessary waste and helping our military and civilian community in its waste management efforts.  

Although the recycling effort here has tapered off, it has not gone away completely, and with a renewed vision, the employees of the MCBH recycling center hope that more people at Camp Smith will begin to take 

a bigger interest in their recycling program. 

For support services, questions, comments, or suggestions, call Jim Sibert at 257-4300.