Outstanding Leadership of Wright-Patterson AFB's Solid Waste and Recycling Program

Winner of 2002 White House Closing the Circle Award

The efforts of one citizen, Mr. William R. Meinerding, of Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, have helped to alert thousands of others of the benefits of recycling, reusing, and reducing. Mr. Meinerding, the AFB's Recycling Program Manager, has helped the Air Force to save more than $3 million that would have otherwise been spent on waste disposal. By establishing a number of community orientated activities and fund raisers such as "Kans for Kids," and "Recycling Old Tennies," Mr. Meinerding turned the act of recycling old materials into an enjoyable activity for all. Proceeds from his fundraisers went further to help both individuals in the community and the environment. Earnings from "Kans for Kids" funded resurfacing of the playgrounds at the base's childcare facilities. The new surfaces are made from 100 percent recycled materials that don't decompose, freeze, absorb water, or become hard. In Mr. Meinerding's "Recycling Old Tennies" collection event, old tennis shoes were ground up and used to make footballs, baseballs, and weight room flooring.

Mr. Meinerding has gone further than fundraising to ensure the AFB adheres to conserving the environment. Working hand-in-hand with the Affirmative Procurement program, he ensures that all base contracting activities include the three R's of recycling, reusing and reducing. As a result, there are more than 22,000 recycled content items in use in base opperations. To date, his programs have redirected more than 62 million pounds. of the 200 million pounds. of solid waste destined for the landfills to use in other areas an average diversion rate of 30 percent. Despite a decrease in the base's population, Mr. Meinerding's program continues to grow and expand the possibilities of the ongoing recycling effort. The recyclables per person has increased by approximately 23 percent. Information on Wright Patterson Air Force Base's recycling program can be obtained through Mr. Tim Clendenin, Timothy.Clendenin@wpafb.af.mil, or 937-257-2057.

October 2002