Fort Belvoir starts pilot program to collect E-waste

By Titus Ledbetter III, Belvoir EagleMarch 7, 2014

E-Waste
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Fort Belvoir, Va. (March 6, 2014) - Fort Belvoir community members can now drop off their electronic waste at the recycling center, located at 6010 Pohick Road, thanks to a 4-week pilot program that began Feb. 21.

Customers can recycle computer parts, printers, a televisions and DVD recorders, among other electronic items, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday -- Friday.

In the past, installation residents have been asked to drop off their electronic waste at a local landfill, because Fort Belvoir did not collect it, according to Fred David, Directorate of Public Works' Environmental and Natural Resources Division, solid waste and qualified recycling program manager.

"We find a lot of times that people don't want to take it all the way to the landfill," David said. "They put it right in our dumpsters."

The recycling center is starting the pilot program because a lot of people have been calling in recent months to ask where they should drop off their electronic waste, according to David. The center has already collected dozens of items from those living and working on Fort Belvoir.

"We are asking people to bring their electronic waste to the recycling center and talk to one of the employees at the center," David said. "They will tell you where you need to put it."

A new contractor, Rover Recycling of Sterling, Va., will take the electronic waste to the landfill for free under the pilot program. Electronic waste collection will continue if enough items are dropped off during the pilot program that Rover Recycling personnel believe they can make money from the venture.

"We are trying to make it easier for employees and residents of Fort Belvoir to come and do their E-waste recycling here," David said.

In addition, servicemembers, their Families, retirees, government and contracted civilians can shred paper for free at the center during normal business hours. The shredded paper will be recycled.

There is also 24-hour drop off available in front of the building.

People can drop off cardboard, scrap metal, aluminum, steel, glass, plastics and paper, which are accepted during normal business hours. Facility personnel also collect car batteries and printer cartridges. However, hazardous materials such as paint and spray cans, are not accepted.

More information on the electronic waste pilot program, contact David by email at frederick.i.david2.civ@mail.mil or by phone at (703) 806-3766.