Marine Corps Base Quantico -- Quantico’s recycling program makes improvements
The Quantico Marine Corps Base recycling program has made some improvements that will raise funds to support on-base activities such as fireworks, the annual holiday tree lighting and other family programs. But the program needs support from the Quantico community to be a success.
Currently, the Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Branch oversees the recycling of deformed brass, scrap meal, cardboard, paper, toner/ink, plastic film (beginning in fiscal year 2017) and lead-acid batteries.
“We have three new big bins on base,” said Marilisa B. Porter, solid waste and recycling manager. One of the bright blue recycling bins is located behind the Marine Mart. She has encouraged everyone to find the bins for their recyclables, including cardboard, aluminum cans, glass bottles and jars, metal cans and plastic bottles. “Don’t recycle plastic bags, they get caught in machinery and the entire load can be considered contaminated – bottles and other loose items must be simply dumped into the bin.” The recycled items are sorted and compacted by a new $96,000 baler, which Porter said she expects to pay for itself by the end of the year.
In addition to the typical recyclables, the branch also deforms and sells brass –mostly used shell casings- to the highest bidder. According to Porter, her office deformed 29,000 pounds of brass, which was sold for $28,000.
Money collected from the base recycling program is either re-invested in the program or directed to base occupational safety and health programs, energy programs, and Marine Corps Community Services to support moral and welfare aboard Quantico. According to Porter, in 2016, the recycling program supported the 4th of July Fireworks, Christmas tree lighting ceremony, Single Marine Program and Quantico beautification activities for Earth Day.