New recycling multi-bins placed for convenience

By Mrs. Melissa K Buckley (Leonard Wood)August 14, 2014

New recycling multi-bins placed for convenience
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Taking care of mother earth just got more convenient -- two large blue recycling multi-bins are now at the northeast corner of the Exchange parking lot and at the southeast corner of the Mini Mall parking lot under a streetlight.

"Everyone is encouraged to use those. The one at the Exchange collects No. 1 and No. 2 plastics, aluminum cans, mixed paper, newspaper and cardboard," said Carmen Wienforth-Wooten, Environmental Protection assistant. "The one at the Mini Mall collects the same, and additionally No. 5 and No. 7 plastics."

According to Craig French, Solid Waste and Recycling Program manager, recycling reduces the volume of waste going to the landfill.

"We also use less energy and conserve resources when we recycle. For instance, to make a new soda can out of recycled aluminum you save 90 percent of the energy you would need to make one from raw materials," French said.

Like other military installations, Fort Leonard Wood has to achieve a 50 percent diversion rate by 2015.

"This means we have to reduce the amount of waste going to the landfills by 50 percent," said French. "Also, the money we make through recycling stays on the installation to benefit Soldiers and their Families. So everyone wins by recycling."

The recycling money funds the recycling program operations and supports Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation.

Wienforth-Wooten said recently the recycling money has helped pay for part of renovating the Pershing Community Center, the Specker gym floor, 4th of July fireworks, holiday tree lighting, plastic eggs and fillings for the egg hunt event, Army Rec Kiosk Internet services and e-waste collection.

Balfour Beatty Housing residents collect their recycling materials in a furnished blue bin, which gets picked up weekly.

"Everyone else can take their recycled material to the new multi-bins or to the Recycling Center, Bldg. 2549, Ordnance Drive," said Wienforth-Wooten.

If units produce large quantities of a material like cardboard, Wienforth-Wooten said to contact the Directorate of Public Works Inspection Branch at 596.7021 and ask for a recycling dumpster.

"That dumpster will then be added to the post pick-up route. This will be decided on a case-by-case basis," Wienforth-Wooten added.

For more information call 596.0882.

Related Links:

Fort Leonard Wood GUIDON Newspaper

Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood