Concerted effort reduces base waste

Published Dec. 16, 2011
By Joel Van Nice
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- As the holidays approach, the trash and recycle bins overflow with remains from office parties and gift exchanges. Keesler custodial and recycling crews are well equipped to handle the seasonal overflow with a complete schedule of cleaning and recycling services.

Al Watkins, chief of the 81st Infrastructure Division's operation flight, explains, "Custodial services are performed in a manner that will maintain a satisfactory facility condition and present a clean, neat and professional appearance."

The custodial contractor is responsible for cleaning hard floors and carpets as well as trash collection and removal. Trash collection follows a standard schedule. Trash is collected once or twice a week at most facilities. Academic facilities are taken care of by students. Trash at the child development center, youth center and fitness centers is collected daily. The custodial services team also provides emergency cleaning due to broken water pipes, toilet overflow and similar emergencies.

Keesler's recycling program is an effort to reduce the total volume of trash the base generates each year and bring down overall cost.

"The goal for diversion, or the amount of trash converted to recyclable materials, required by the Defense Department is 40 percent," Watkins explained. "The recycling contractor, started at 14 percent and surpassed the goal with a 55 percent diversion rate."