DPW observes America Recycles Day

By U.S. ArmyNovember 25, 2013

DPW observes America Recycles Day
(From Left) Mark Pollard and Vanessa Marroquin from the Freestate ChalleNGe Academy assemble recycling receptacles bearing the installation's new Recycling Program slogan and logo in the Garrison Headquarters Bldg. 305 Nov. 15 in conjunction with th... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - Because the federal governments recognizes recycling as an essential part of reducing the amount of waste the nation generates, the Army has embraced the practice as an important part of its core mission. With that in mind, the APG Garrison's Directorate of Public Works observed America Recycles Day on Nov. 15 by reigniting interest and participation with a new face on the installation-wide recycling program in the form of a newly-designed recycling slogan and logo.

Vickie Venzen, qualified recycling program manager of the DPW Environmental Division, led a group of Freestate ChalleNGe Academy cadets who spent America Recycles Day distributing hundreds of new receptacles -- white cardboard boxes bearing the new logo; green for cans and glass, blue for plastics -- in offices and work areas around the installation.

Venzen said the cadets, who were job-shadowing with the Installation Safety Office, were a great help.

"Today we placed boxes in the three RDECOM buildings and in Bldgs. 4304, 4305 and 305," she said, adding that 3,000 receptacles are available to office personnel who can coordinate with building coordinators and facility managers to complete the process.

The white boxes are about 32 inches high and bear the distinct blue and white logos along with instructions for their use. The boxes are lined with plastic bags for easy removal of recyclables.

Venzen said the effort gives the installation recycling program the same face "across the board."

"There were a lot of different types of containers being used; this standardizes the program," she said. "And the cool thing is all the receptacles now have the installation slogan and logo."

At this time, the new receptacles can be distributed only to buildings with current service (removal) contracts, she added.

The project's success was due to support from Col. Gregory McClinton, Garrison commander, who signed the Qualified Recycling Program Slogan and Logo memorandum Oct. 21, Venzen said.

"Thankfully, the command recognizes that the success of an installation-wide recycling program is directly related to the level of participation throughout the Garrison and the successful advertisement of the program's message and goals," she said.

For more information about the Installation Recycling, contact Venzen at 410-306-2260 or email vickie.a.venzen.civ@mail.mil.