America Recycles Day coming Nov. 15 Published Oct. 31, 2012 By CSC environmental office KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Keesler will ask the question, "I Recycle. Do You?" during activities planned for Nov. 15 in celebration of America Recycles Day. The CSC/CEV Environmental Office will be at the Base Exchange from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to distribute information designed to educate, motivate and inspire individuals to recycle more while encouraging their friends and families to do the same. Since 1997, communities across the country have come together each Nov. 15 to celebrate America Recycles Day. More than a celebration, America Recycles Day is the only nationally recognized day dedicated to the promotion of recycling in the United States. One day to educate and motivate. One day to get neighbors, friends and community leaders excited about what can be accomplished when everyone works together. One day to make recycling bigger and better 365 days a year. Millions of Americans have pledged to increase their recycling habits at home and at work over the 15-year history of ARD, a nationally recognized initiative dedicated to encouraging people to recycle more at home, at work and on the go. Anyone can take the pledge by going to the ARD Web site at (americarecyclesday.org). In fiscal year 2012, Keesler recycled more than 2,600 tons of waste - an increase of 37% from last year. The alternative is to throw away trash at a cost of about $38 per ton. Keesler recycles about 56% of total waste on base. Last year, Keesler recycled about 30% of waste paper but has the potential to recycle as much as 70%. A target area for Fiscal Year 2013 is to avoid contaminating recycled products. For example, avoid placing plastic into recycled paper bins. Contaminated recyclables cannot generate recycling revenue. For information about Keesler's activities for America Recycles Day, contact the Environmental Office at 228-377-1262.