Base refuse pick-up, recycling to change

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Kidron Vestal
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  A major refuse (garbage) and recycling change will take effect here in October, primarily in military family housing. 

MAFB was recently awarded a new refuse/recycling contract as part of Air Combat Command's new standard for refuse collection. 

"It was mandated these changes be made," said Dave Tack, 5th Civil Engineer Squadron quality assurance. 

Beginning Oct. 1, garbage pick-up in MFH will occur once a week, instead of twice a week as happens now. While compost generation is not included in the new contract, grass clippings and yard waste can be incorporated into traditional curbside refuse. In addition, the curbside collection of recyclables will end. According to Mr. Tack, MFH residents are asked to maintain their current waste-management practices until the new contract takes effect Oct. 1. 

Furthermore, the manned recycling center is set to close and be replaced by two self-service locations. Self-service recycling locations consist of large, green recycling containers. They will be available on base for the personal disposal of recyclables (paper and cardboard items only). One green recycling container will be located in the base commissary parking lot and the other in the parking lot adjacent to the current base recycling center at 329 Peacekeeper Place. 

MFH residents can use their individual green bins marked "recycling" for additional curbside disposal. 

"We encourage bagging," added Mr. Tack. "It isn't as messy."

For base facilities, recyclables should be disposed of in the green self-service receptacles. Additionally, special handling (outsourced shredding) of Privacy Act documents will end. Units, staff agencies and offices impacted by this change must arrange for the proper disposal of such material. 

For more information, contact 723-6308.