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WPAFB Excels In Demolition Recycling
Dec. 15, 2005
In November 2003, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB) initiated an aggressive recycling project with the US Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) to reutilize and recycle as much material from the demolition of a 280,000 ft2 facility. This effort resulted in 82% of the demolition debris being diverted from the solid waste stream catapulting WPAFB to receive the prestigious MVP2 Award from the National Pollution Prevention Roundtable in 2004. A key component of this effort was recycling ceiling tiles.

Ceiling tile storage area.WPAFB established a relationship with Armstrong World Industries to collect and segregate ceiling tiles and Armstrong transported these items at no cost to their facility in Lancaster PA.  As a result over 80,000 lbs of ceiling tiles were recycled into new product from this single demolition project saving an estimated $4800.00 in solid waste transportation and disposal fees. 

The recycled ceiling tiles did not contain asbestos and did not have fiberglass insulation backing.  They are made of a fiber material.  

News of the success of the WPAFB ceiling tile recycling project spread quickly.  Following the WPAFB project the USACE began another major construction project for the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT).  The AFIT project yielded an additional 40,000 lbs of ceiling tile.   Contractors now recognize that not only could they be good environmental stewards, they could also save a significant amount of money by diverting this waste stream from landfills.  As a result, the ceiling tile recycling program has expanded and become a normal process on WPAFB during renovation and demolition projects.   To date WPAFB has recycled over 400,000 lbs of ceiling tiles at no additional cost to the installation yielding an estimated $24,000.00 in savings in solid waste disposal cost. 

The key elements to the success of this program have been awareness and flexibility.  The contractors and base organizations performing the work are made aware of the opportunity during the design review process.  Drawing notes are added during the design, providing pertinent point of contact information.  The program is further emphasized during the pre-construction meetings.  The Civil Engineering Solid Waste Contract Monitor assists in disseminating information and looks for potential recycling opportunities.  Thus far, an estimated 70% of ceiling tiles collected have been generated at smaller construction sites.  A walk-through is performed prior to renovation activities by a representative of 88 ABW/CEV (i.e., the environmental coordinator) identifying recyclable ceiling tiles and the logistics of the operation is worked out.  It is important to note each job site is unique and the flexibility of adapting to each situation is a key factor leading to the overall success.  WPAFB continues to evaluate opportunities and provide avenues to cost effectively divert solid waste from landfills.  

The Point of Contact (POC) for further information is Nic Nicodemus at WPAFB, Phone Number: 937-257-5527, Email: martin.nicodemus2@wpafb.af.mil


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