Eielson refuse: Changing of the times

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Matthew Kennon
  • 354th Civil Engineer Squadron
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Icemen at Eielson have most likely taken advantage of the base refuse disposal sites at one time or another.

These sites are established for centralized collection for each housing section. You may have also visited the Base Transfer Site (near RV storage) where trash and debris has been offloaded in the building and hauled away by contract. These areas have been utilized for years and it has likely become second nature to haul trash and throw it away - with little regard to its composition. Times, contracts, and EPA regulations have changed. New rules need to be followed.

As of May 3, the building and ramp at the Base Transfer Site will no longer be available for use. The following are general rules, guidelines and information to help ease this transition and ensure proper trash disposal:

Scrap metal bins: Still in use at the Base Transfer Site

Recycling: No longer available on Eielson, scrap metal is the lone exception. A good resource for individuals committed to recycling is www.iagreenstar.org where multiple locations around the Fairbanks area are listed to recycle most items.

Housing refuse disposal sites: Still in use. All items must be placed in dumpsters. Acceptable refuse is any normal trash or debris associated with household or office work as long as it fits into the dumpster and the lid closes. Items that will not fit must be taken to Moose Creek, North Pole transfer stations or FNSB landfill. Cardboard boxes must be broken down to conserve space. No refuse may contain hazardous chemicals or waste, defined below.

Hazardous waste: Not authorized to be placed in dumpsters and must be disposed of at drop locations at Bldg 4388, the Base Transfer Site near the scrap metal bins, and new locations at the housing refuse sites. HAZWASTE includes but is not limited to: refrigerators/freezers (due to refrigerant chemicals), any liquid chemicals/petroleum products, lead acid batteries, rechargeable Ni-cad/nickel halide/lithium batteries, paints, car care products, house hold chemicals, pesticides, anti-freeze, thinners, cleaners, ammo/powder, compressed gas cylinders, new/used oil, gasoline, high pressure sodium lamps, florescent lamps, mercury containing thermometers, medicine, and lawn care chemicals.

Industrial refuse: Not authorized in base-owned refuse containers. This includes but is not limited to materials not of normal household or office use, construction debris, pallets, office furniture, crates of any kind, barrels etc. These items will not be picked up by Eielson's refuse contractor but you may haul them to the Fairbanks North Star Borrow Landfill. Pallets may be stacked neatly at the Base Transfer Site.

Tires: Disposal will still be available at the Base Transfer Site in clearly marked containers.

Any unauthorized items disposed into the dumpsters are the owner's responsibility. Violators will be required to pick the items up and dispose of them properly. Following the rules/information above will greatly reduce Eielson's overall cost of operations and keep the base looking great.