Hurlburt Field Recycling Program remains cost productive

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Krystal M. Garrett
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD. Fla., --  As of June 13, the Hurlburt Field Recycling Program has stream-lined their operating processes, keeping labor costs down.

All buildings now have a designated pick-up day and consolidated location. Additionally, each building is responsible for getting their recyclables to the curbside on their weekly pick-up date.

For the weekly recycling pick up schedule and procedures, visit http://myhurlburt.com/recycle.php.

“We also accept materials being dropped off at the Hurlburt Field Recycling Center, at 202 Walkup Way, building 91360, during normal operating hours 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.,” said Joe Ramirez, recycling program manager with the 1st Special Operations Force Support Squadron.

Along with pick-up procedure changes, the recycling program also no longer accept any plastics, glass or wood.

"Due to the declining market of recycled commodities, it was no longer cost effective to process the items,” said Michelle Coover, resource management flight chief with the1st SOFSS. “It took nearly two years to process enough for one load to sell.”

Coover stated that discontinuing the pick-up of these materials helps lower operating cost and enables the recycling center to be self-staining.

“Before the change, recycle employees were going to each office,” said Michelle Coover, resource management flight chief with the1st SOFSS. “With the recycling market currently down, we are making changes to ensure that we can continue to be a self-sustaining program.”

In the past, she explained, the recycling program made enough money to give back to the base. The program enabled the purchase of a vehicle for the Youth Center and funded the fireworks at the Sound of Independence celebrations.

With the new curbside pick-up in effect, the Hurlburt Recycling Program will be able to more efficiently support the Hurlburt community with diverting recyclable materials from landfills, while reducing labor costs.

“We also hope to continue making the recycling center cost productive,” Ramirez said. “This way we can continue to support morale, welfare and recreation events.”

For questions or concerns about the schedule or process for recycling, contact the Hurlburt Recycling via email at 1SOFSS.FSRL.HurlburtRecycling@us.af.mil.