CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Team Charleston has alternate solutions for people who are dumping items illegally on base.
Members are using central recycling drop-off points to dispose of bulk items such as mattresses, furniture, electronic equipment, computers, carpet, dryers, used oil and many other items.
However, in doing so, members are violating South Carolina Laws and regulations and Charleston AFB Directives.
In an effort to prevent this from happening in the future, Charleston AFB would like to make its members more aware of what they can do with items like this.
"People are continuously dumping and letting the trash pile up at the drop-offs on base," said Jaconda Lightburn, 437th Civil Engineer Squadron Environmental Flight recycling program manager. "I also just got a confirmation from security forces that said they were going to start patrolling the area more. But we also have plenty of services on base to prevent this because we need to keep our base clean."
For members who live in military family housing on base and need to dispose of large unserviceable items, just place the item on the curb on Wednesdays. The base's refuse collection contractor is required to pick these items up every Wednesday.
However, if items are in good condition, they can be donated to the Airman and Family Readiness Flight's Airman's Attic. They accept lightly used furniture, appliances and other household items for Airmen who need them. For more information on donating to the Airman's Attic, call 963-4408. The Consignment Shop also accepts furniture and other items like this; they can be contacted at 963-3294.
Cardboard can be recycled at the base drop-off points located in the base theater parking lot or the corner of Arthur Drive and Stewart Avenue. However, make sure the cardboard is placed in the proper receptacle because the county will not take any cardboard from the ground.
Serviceable wooden pallets should be taken to the scrap metal yard behind the base's Outdoor Recreational Center. They can be contacted at 963-4929. However, broken pallets should be taken to the dumpster by the ORC.
Charleston AFB also has a hazardous material team that can recycle household paint and chemicals. Drop off for this service is every Wednesday between 1 and 3 p.m. at building 626 or call them at 963-4929 for another time.
There's also no excuse for members who live off base. Drop unwanted material off at the county's municipal solid waste dump. For more information on this service, look at the county website:
Dorchester County: http://www.dorchestercounty.net/solidwaste.htm
Charleston County: http://charlestoncounty.org/index2.asp?p=/departments/infopages/recyclinginfo.htm
Berkeley County: http://www.co.berkeley.sc.us/departments/water/water3.html
If there are any further questions or concerns, call the 437 CES Environmental Flight at 963-2690.