Open dumpster lids can hurt installation Published Oct. 7, 2011 By Russ Collins 99th Civil Engineer Squadron NELLIS AIR FORCE, Nev. -- Taking out the trash is a tedious chore. Finding steps to make this job quicker is always challenging, especially for shops that are doing vital roles in the Air Force and have little time to accomplish their mandated cleaning requirements. Some squadrons tackle the job as a unit, some do the job a little at a time and others mandate their Airmen to handle their own waste disposal individually. In the quest to effectively balance their day-to-day mission with the additional duty of maintaining the appearance of their workstation, Airmen are taking short cuts to fulfilling their cleaning tasks. While many of these shortcuts prove effective, Airmen are forgetting to return the large garbage dumpster lids to a closed position. Those wondering around base may consider open lids just a minor oversight, however this minor oversight can turn into big problems for the installation. Here are some reasons to keep the dumpster lids closed. The Code of Federal Regulations requires that all solid wastes be stored in a manner that does not constitute a fire, health or safety hazard, provide food or harborage for wild life, and that solid wastes be contained or bundled so as not to spill. "Leaving dumpsters open attracts pests who are seeking food scraps," said Bob Ostrea, Nellis Solid Waste program manager. "It also violates the requirement that solid wastes be contained." Nellis is considered a municipality and must conform to the State of Nevada Division of Environmental Protection requirements. According to the Nellis Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System License, Nellis is required to develop and adhere to a Storm Water Management Plan. The plan requires Nellis to develop a process for controlling running water and excess waste that enters the base. "Under the pollution prevention and good housekeeping control measure, we're required to keep dumpster lids closed," said John Roe, Nellis Water Quality program manager. "On the occasions it rains, the lids prevent rainwater from entering the dumpster. This is important to prevent an accidental release of the collected water, which could enter the storm water system." Wind-borne trash detracts from base appearance and creates an additional work load for all who have to collect and properly dispose of the trash. "Due to Nevada's strong winds, which can lift trash out of the dumpster and blow it about the base, it is important to ensure garbage lids are closed," Ostrea said. "If that happens, wind-borne trash could reach the flightline and cause damage to aircraft engines." All it takes is a couple moments to flip the lid to the closed position. It is up to all members of the installation to ensure Nellis, Creech, and Nevada Test and Training Range remain in compliance with all Nevada regulations and their appearance is kept up.
