505th to turn trash into scholarship opportunities Published Feb. 15, 2008 By Capt. Laura Ropelis 505th CCW Public Affairs HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- A new recycling initiative known as Recycling Bonanza will be held Feb. 29 at the 505th Command and Control Wing to raise money for the base and to contribute to a new $1,000 scholarship fund for eligible local students. It all started when Richard Williams, 505th CCW's facilities director, made a recommendation to the base recycling committee to turn trash into education and get the word out that recycling can help people and the local community. "It's literally like reaching in your pocket and throwing money in a trashcan," Mr. Williams said. The base recycling committee supported the idea and is currently finalizing the eligibility criteria for students. The profits from recycling on base are used to pay for operations of the base and for recreational activities the base could normally not afford because of budgetary constraints. "If we can show people how we do it, give it back to people and advertise it, we can make a difference by just dropping off trash for free instead of paying for recycling," Mr. Williams said. Items such as Styrofoam, compressors, precious metals, plastics, cardboard, white paper, toner, cartridges, car batteries, cardboard, cans, bottles and old brass that is demilitarized can be brought to the 505th CCW Feb. 29 and turned into something that makes a difference for a child. "We're doing our part to contribute to a good cause," Mr. Williams said. "We invite the Hurlburt community to be a part of this new recycling initiative to help students pay for college." Any family member or Hurlburt employee who has access to the base can drop off their boxes, glass, cans, cardboard, equipment and other recyclable items to the bins at the front of the building.