Barksdale's recycling program grows Published Aug. 25, 2011 By Senior Airman Kristin High 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Barksdale's recycling program recently added 10 containers to eight new locations throughout the base. Previously, there were 42 recycling bins located on base, but as Barksdale continues to grow and the population increases, so does the amount of waste and recyclable materials. According to the base recycling manager, it's important to keep up with what is thrown out by preventing recyclable products from being sent to a landfill. "The more we recycle, the less virgin materials are needed to make new items," said Mr. Alfredo Garza, 2nd Civil Engineer Squadron recycling manager. "If you look into your trash can, more than half of the materials in it are recyclable." Participation in the recycling program is voluntary; however, in 2007 Executive Order 13423 required all federal facilities to increase diversion of solid waste as appropriate and maintain cost effective waste prevention and recycling programs. Cardboard and paper were instated as mandatory recycling items. "Landfill space is limited, and the more waste we can divert from the landfill, the better it is for the environment," Garza added. The recycling center accepts various materials such as cardboard, brown bags, office paper, newspaper, junk-mail, magazines, catalogs, phone books, beverage bottles, plastic jugs and aluminum cans. In Fiscal Year 2010, Barksdale recycled approximately 16,655 tons of material. In addition to the materials placed in the brown containers, the recycling center also recycles oil, concrete, asphalt, scrap metal and ammunitions brass. By reselling and reusing materials, Barksdale sent only 2,037 tons of waste to the landfill in 2010 and saved $566,915. Barksdale's diversion rate for recyclables was at 89 percent for 2010, well above the Air Force goal of 40 percent. The diversion rate is the amount of waste that is recycled instead of thrown in the trash. Though all organizations on base participate in the recycling program Garza said individual involvement is key. Joe French, 2nd Civil Engineer Squadron environmental flight section chief, knows the importance of recycling. "Recycling saves energy and prevents pollution caused by the extraction and processing of virgin materials and the manufacture of products using virgin materials," he said. Current rates of production result in depletion of natural resources and the filling of landfills. "It's important to rethink how to dispose of trash and recycling is one way to preserve and protect what natural resources remains--especially for our future generations," French said. The recycling center is now open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week . For more information about the recycling program, call 456-5293.