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Wright-Patterson AFB Diverts Demolition Debris

In November 2003, 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 SF facility, building 20125. 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.  A key component of this effort was recycling ceiling tiles. 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. 

News of the success of the building 20125 project spread quickly.  Following the 20125 project the USACE began another major construction project for the AFIT, building 20640. This 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, this 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-con 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 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. 

For more details, please contact Mr. Nic Nicodemus at Martin.Nicodemus2@wpafb.af.mil, or (937) 257-5527.