Wisdom from the Field: Ins-and-Outs of Developing a Top Recycling Program

Abstract

Batteries power thousands of devices for soldier activity and across installations. A 3-day mission in Afghanistan requires 20-35 lbs of up to 7 different types of batteries. Although the individual devices may vary, each military branch uses a significant amount of batteries in their every day operation. Battery disposal for the military can be expensive, complicated, and "unclear" as to the battery's final disposition. GOAL: Implement a fiscally responsible and environmentally sound recycling program to divert rechargeable batteries from the Universal Waste stream for the entire Commander Navy Region Southwest (CNRSW) footprint. APPROACH: Domino Theory...The Facilities Engineering Commands are uniquely positioned to promote the Navy's participation region-wide. CALL2RECYCLE (trademark) is a nonprofit organization of manufacturers -- there are no competitive sourcing issues. Program is simple -- collect and recycle your rechargeable batteries at no cost. NO SHIPPING OR PROCESSING COSTS in CONUS. Within 2 hours NAVFAC in Metro San Diego was on board! Where do you collect? Haz Waste Facility/90 Day Site or TSDF or individual Units/Offices. All NAVFAC SW installations are handling through HW or TSDF. Battery RECYCLING for NAVFAC SW is FREE -- Estimated savings for METRO SAN DIEGO is $87K this FY; SIMPLE -- Easily integrated into existing collection efforts; and TRANSPARENT -- Full compliance with legal requirements in the State of California and improves sustainability posture for CNRSW.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 10, 2011
Accession Number
ADA565674

Entities

People

  • Harvey Stewart
  • Todd Ellis

Organizations

  • Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Abstracts
  • Acquisition
  • Bulk Shipping
  • Energy Security
  • Engineering
  • Information Operations
  • Law
  • National Security
  • Night Vision
  • Real Estate
  • Security
  • Shipping
  • Storage Batteries
  • Training

Readers

  • Battery Technology and Engineering
  • Environmental Engineering.
  • Maritime and Naval Warfare Studies