Navy Recycling Exceeds Goal

Navy Region Southwest exceeded its 2003 goal for its solid waste and recycling program, and helped push back the 2013 expected fill date of the Miramar, Calif., landfill.

Charlie Ketcham, construction and demolition debris manager for NRSW's regional solid waste and recycling program, said the success was a result of higher awareness and better oversight.

"Nobody hauling Navy waste is allowed to dump without getting a coupon," said Ketcham. "The coupon is given after a waste assessment form has been evaluated by this office."

At one time, 25 percent of waste going to the landfill came from the Navy. Now, it is down below 12 percent. Haulers dumping at the landfill are subject to having their hauls inspected for regulations compliance.

That type of attention to detail has helped divert about 50,000 tons of material away from the Miramar landfill, which is on Navy property but leased to the city of San Diego, said Ketcham.

The program reduces material sent to the Miramar landfill through innovative recycling, diversion and reuse.

Ketcham said about 60 Navy construction and demolition projects in metropolitan San Diego are being handled right now, with everything from cardboard packaging to scrap metal being processed for diversion or recycling.

"These projects include the new barracks on Naval Station San Diego and the new pier," he said. "We handle the waste from construction and demolition projects to help prolong the life of the landfill at Miramar, and to comply with a state assembly bill requiring diversion of construction and demolition debris."

Ketcham said the Navy must meet a 50 percent guideline according to the bill, meaning that half of all the debris must be diverted.

"But we exceed that," he said. "Last year's total was 75 percent. By complying with the bill and by doing more than what's required, we not only help the environment, but we also make the Navy look good in the community."