How to get rid of unwanted materials

  • Published
  • By Courtesy of the
  • 1st Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  Recently, Hurlburt field underwent a comprehensive assessment involving environmental, safety and occupational issues. This assessment is officially known as the Environmental, Safety and Occupational Health Compliance Assessment and Management Program, ESOHCAMP.

One of the areas closely looked at by the assessors is how the base handles solid wastes. Unfortunately, Hurlburt Field received several negative findings involving the solid waste program. Each incident revealed illegal dumping of solid waste on base. There were two incidents of old tires being discarded and one incident of an old couch being thrown away. All three incidents are in direct violation of 40 CFR 257.1(a)(2), and reflect badly on the base.

Old tires can be discarded by dropping them off at the Waste Management Transfer Station on Martin Luther King Boulevard. They will take up to five tires per month from an individual. Old furniture with no recycle value should be thrown into any available dumpster.

Other solid waste violations noted were recyclables being discarded into the garbage. This violates Hurlburt Field and Air Force Instructions and also costs the base money in the form of lost revenues from the recycle center.

Many times when we have items or wastes that we need to discard, we are conflicted over exactly how to properly dispose. If something needs to discarded, first determine if the item or material can be reused. If anyone could possibly use the item, donate it to the thrift shop on base or other salvage type stores. Any accepted donations are tax exemptions and can help someone less fortunate. Secondly, determine if the item can be recycled. If not sure, call the recycle center at 884-7577 and ask Ben the recycle man. If neither of these alternatives works, dispose of in the material in an acceptable waste container.

Hurlburt Field is a beautiful place to live and work, but it only takes one inconsiderate person to spoil this image. Please put garbage in its proper place and remember sometimes what is first perceived to be trash can be reused, recycled or composted. For questions regarding solid waste, call the environmental flight at 884-4651.