Goodfellow recycling center helps preserve environment Published March 23, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Anne Gathua 17th Training Wing/Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Recycling involves processing used materials into new products to prevent waste of potentially useful materials. It helps reduce consumption of fresh raw materials, decrease energy usage and air and water pollution. Goodfellow's 24 hour recycling drop-off center located on the north-west end of the base on Fort Lancaster Avenue, Building 516, helped recycle over five million pounds of material in 2009. "We have glass and cardboard dumpsters, and drop chutes for paper including newspaper, office paper, magazines, telephone books and catalogs," said Bill Melton, 17th Civil Engineering recycling contract supervisor. "We also have drop off points for used fluorescent light bulbs and toner cartridges in Building 509." Mr. Melton urged everyone to be particularly careful about the paperwork they drop off at the center. "The most important thing to remember is no confidential information such as bank statements, tax records, credit card statements and any other items with personal information, because none of the items in the chutes are shredded. Any such information should be placed in the 'Privacy Act' marked containers in individual buildings," he added. The base recycling contractor is responsible for collecting paper items and materials in specifically marked 'Privacy Act' containers twice a week. However, they do not pick up telephone books, card board, used toner cartridges, fluorescent light bulbs or glass. These items have to be dropped off directly to the center. Window glass in not accepted and everyone is reminded to break down cardboard boxes before dumping into the chutes around base. In conclusion, Mr. Melton said everyone should play their part in recycling and encouraged people to make use of the facility as well as the recycling agencies off base. Team Goodfellow volunteers in the annual month-long Keep San Angelo Beautiful program in May, which is one of the biggest recycling events in San Angelo. It is part of The Great American Cleanup, which is the nation's largest community improvement program. The long-term aim of the event is to have community residents take responsibility of keeping the environment clean and to help those who can't do it themselves. Recyclables from plastic, glass, paper, batteries, old tires, metal to brush and trees are accepted. More information on the event will be available as the event day draws near. For more information on the Goodfellow recycling center call (325)-654-3375.