During fiscal year 2011, Fort Drum garrison received revenue for more than 2,700 tons of recyclable materials. Although Fort Drum raked in about $952,000 during that time, recyclable materials still ended up in the trash, costing Fort Drum more than $340,000 in FY 11.
Public Works' Environmental Division team recognizes there is a lot the Fort Drum community can do to help clean up post and get recyclables where they belong, which is out of the trash and into proper receptacles.
That is why they will host a postwide cleanup day from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 17 in the cantonment area and airfield, including barracks, buildings and motor pools.
Soldiers, Families and civilians are encouraged to help out by picking up litter around their facilities, turning in old / unused chemical cleaners, turning in unused electronic equipment, and recycling old manuals or binders full of reports and other obsolete data.
This cleanup day is designed to not only help the environment, but it also provides a platform to educate Fort Drum personnel on the post's recycling program, and proper turn-in procedures for recyclables, e-waste and hazardous waste.
Only litter collected from the Fort Drum cantonment area and airfield will be accepted. Off-post generated waste will not be accepted.
Those helping with the cleanup are asked to stay out of all construction sites and areas designated “off limits by order of the commander."
Because Fort Drum has more than 500 historic sites, participants also should beware of historic foundations and wells.
Removing flagging / tags / signs from trees or stakes is not permitted. Also, avoid personnel should touching any ordnance if found during the cleanup, and call 772-7153 to report it.
According to an executive order, by the end of fiscal year 2015, Fort Drum must divert at least 50 percent of construction and demolition solid waste and 50 percent of nonconstruction and demolition solid waste from landfills.
Nonconstruction and demolition solid waste includes expended brass, cardboard, electronics, mixed metal and paper, newspaper, pallets, plastics, glass and motor oil.
To help Fort Drum meet – and exceed – this goal, officials ask individuals to come out May 17 and help keep post beautiful for everyone to enjoy.
(Fort Drum Public Affairs Office)