In addition to the MWR Recycling, the Environmental Division has added many more recyclables to the overall program. Specific waste streams were given priority due to their waste characteristic and large quantity. Information of these efforts is provided below: 

Fluorescent Tube Recycling Initiative: Within the first year of this program, savings of more than $6,000 were recognized, and more than 15,000 pounds of hazardous waste was averted from hazardous waste disposal. The cost to recycle fluorescent tubes continues to decrease, increasing the potential savings and has become the standard operating procedure at USNA. To recycle fluorescent tubes call George McNelly or Dave Higgins at 293-1024.

Aerosol Can Recycling Initiative: Aerosol paint cans cost $15.00/lb to dispose of as hazardous waste. USNA Environmental Division acquired the proper equipment to treat the cans for recycling. To recycle aerosol cans call George McNelly or Dave Higgins at 293-1024.

Oil Recycling Center: The U.S. Naval Academy Environmental Division opened an oil and antifreeze recycling center at the Navy Exchange Gas Station at the Naval Station. Through partnering with the state of Maryland, the recycling facility has grown into a community center open to both Navy and non-Navy personnel. Additional oil and anti-freeze recycling initiatives have been implemented throughout the Naval Academy, recycling approximately 8,000 gallons of waste oil and 1,000 gallons of anti-freeze annually. For questions regarding oil and antifreeze recycling call George McNelly or Dave Higgins at 293-1024.

Lead Paint Recycling Initiative: Although there are no current methods for recycling lead paint, Through a partnering initiative with the state of Maryland, the U.S. Naval Academy Environmental Division investigated the hazards of recycling metal radiator covers with the lead paint intact. It was found that the method of recycling scrap metal would safely contain the lead paint. The state of Maryland agreed and approved the recycling initiative. For questions on this subject call George McNelly or Dave Higgins at 293-1024.

Paint Recycling Contract: USNA established a paint recycling contract to eliminate all waste paints from their waste stream. Now waste paint is fully recycled into new paint rather than disposed of in a hazardous waste landfill. To recycle paint call George McNelly or Dave Higgins at 293-1024.

Battery Recycling: Battery recycling containers are located at 29 locations throughout the Naval Academy. Containers are green, 10 gallon, swing lid trash cans with battery recycling labels. Batteries that are deposited in these containers are recycled. In addition, all lead acid automobile batteries are recycled on a buy exchange program. To obtain a recycling can or for information on battery recycling call George McNelly or Dave Higgins at 293-1024.

Oily Rag Contract: The U.S. Naval Academy Environmental Division manages an oily rag recycling contract for all Naval Academy users. On a weekly basis, the contractor supplies clean rags and picks up oily ones, eliminating the need for treating them as hazardous waste. The contractor is required to clean the used rags using the latest pollution prevention technology. This technology removes suspended solids, oil and grease, heavy metals, volatile organic compounds (VOC), and total toxic organics. The rags can then be re-used. For information call Terry Brown at 293-1115. 

Drum Recycling: Through the Pollution Prevention Equipment Program (PPEP) a drum crusher was obtained. The crusher allows the Naval Academy to recycle drums and other metal containers in lieu of paying for disposal. For information call Harrison (Buddy) Butler 293-1116.

Oil Filter Recycling: Through the Pollution Prevention Equipment Program (PPEP) a oil filter crusher was received. The machine removes oil and contaminates from the filter and crushes the filter to be recycled. For information call Harrison (Buddy) Butler 293-1116.

Composting: A trial composting project has been initiated with grounds maintenance at the Naval Station. If the program is successful, opening up/expanding the composting to include other organizations will be considered. For information call Harrison (Buddy) Butler 293-1116.