MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Department of Defense recycling managers from all over the world toured Camp Pendleton's award-winning recycling sites Oct. 28 to find ways to improve their own facilities.
Approximately 70 DoD employees took part in the recycling workshop, held in Long Beach.
The workshop's proximity to Pendleton enabled attendees to drive down and glimpse a program that has become a model for DoD, said Charles Bradshaw, recycling manager here.
"Camp Pendleton not only has one of the largest programs in the DoD, but over the years, we have been known for our innovative ideas and methods," Bradshaw said.
The base recycling program, headquartered near the front gate with satellite stations throughout the base, is a self-sufficient organization, said Earnest Espinosa, a base recycling specialist.
In other words, the program funds itself, and often has money left over to give to other base programs.
During fiscal year 2002, the center earned approximately $575,000 by selling 3,884 tons of recyclables.
The money is used for equipment, supplies and to pay employee salaries. Remaining funds are donated to various organizations, including Pollution Abatement, Base Safety and Marine Corps Community Services.
Differences between Camp Pendleton's recycling center and other centers include what's collected and sold.
"Our facility doesn't sell metal. I'm interested in how it's done here, so I can bring that information back to our center" said Jaycee Turnquist, business manager for the recycling center at Fort Hood, Texas.
Another difference, Pendleton's tame weather makes it easier to organize recyclables outside.
"What are the mattresses for?" a workshop attendee asked, pointing at a colorful pile of mattresses.
The center accepts mattresses and sells them cheap to buyers. The mattresses eventually are reconditioned and resold.
"This keeps them out of the landfill and in good use for families who need them," said Bernard Jackson, a work leader for the recycling program.
The center runs a curbside program that reaches approximately 6,000 homes on base. It also places recycling bins in buildings across Camp Pendleton, Espinosa said.
Recyclables may be dropped off at three centers on base, in the 52 Area, 13 Area and by the front gate. Bins at each drop-off site are accessible anytime.