Keesler recycling center recognized Published April 29, 2013 By 2nd Lt. Allanna Jones 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Keesler's recycling center was named winner of the Keep Mississippi Beautiful Award Recycler of the Year in the federal government category during an annual awards luncheon in Jackson, Miss., April 18. The award recognizes those who excel in litter prevention and solid waste management in their community, achieving the goal of beautifying Mississippi and improving the quality of life. "We are excited to have accepted the award for Keesler. As a community, we have come a long way in two years, and it just shows the hard work the base and recycling center has put in," said Doug Smith, Zero Waste Solutions and Mark Dunning Industries project manager. Earlier this year, Keesler's recycling center won the Environmental Hero Award from the Mississippi Recycling Coalition for its outstanding environmental efforts. Smith also said the recycling center's goal is a 75 percent diversion rate by 2015 and said its staff will continue to helping around the community wherever needed.