Eielson offers environmentally-friendly hazmat disposal

  • Published
  • By Compiled from staff reports
  • 354th Civil Engineer Squadron environmental flight
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Household hazardous waste is considered to be any material discarded from the home that may pose a threat to human health or the environment if handled improperly.

Some jobs around the home may require the use of products containing hazardous components. Such products may include certain paints, cleaners, stains and varnishes, car batteries, motor oil, antifreeze and pesticides to name a few.

The household hazardous waste exchange program at the base Hazardous Waste Collection Facility will hopefully keep household hazardous waste out of the housing garbage destined for a landfill and save household residents some money. They also sort and have usable materials for free issue.

Waste Disposal for Eielson Residents:
Take large household items to main transfer site (by RV lot).

All waste must be placed inside dumpsters, all fuel-powered equipment must be drained prior to disposal (take oil/fuel to hazardous waste shop).

Car/ATV batteries take to the AAFES Gas Station. Used oil/antifreeze take to the Hazwaste facility and/or 354th Services Squadron's Auto-Hobby Shop.

The Hazardous Waste Facility accepts drop-offs of miscellaneous household hazardous and non-hazardous waste or materials at Bldg. 4388 (on Flight-line Avenue next to the Joint Mobility Complex) from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.
According to Eielson' Solid Waste Manager Nancy Powley, these house hold collection days help reduce the amount of Household hazardous wastes that are sometimes disposed of improperly by individuals pouring waste down the drain, onto the ground or into the sewers.

Also the placement of some types of household waste into the trash can cause problems.

The dangers of such disposal methods may not be immediately obvious, but certain types of household waste have the potential to cause physical injury to sanitation workers; contaminate wastewater treatment systems if poured down drains or toilets.

For more information concerning solid waste or hazardous waste call 377-1659.

MARK YOUR CALENDERS!
The 2007 Annual Household Hazardous Materials Turn-In Day is from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. May 22 and 23 at the bowling alley parking lot. The event is rain or shine. For more information, call 377-1645.