Recycling program at Westwind Inn

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kristen Rohrer
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  "Going green." By now, most have heard this phrase numerous times and in many cases it describes the environmentally friendly way many people are choosing to live and many companies are following as a way to do business.

Recently, Travis' Westwind Inn has taken a big step in this direction by establishing a recycling program in all Travis lodging facilities.

The program is the first of its kind for the inn and lodging that has a total of more than 560 rooms.

"Guests can learn about our recycling services that are explained in the room binders," said Andy Pauley, General Manager Westwind Inn.

Mr. Pauley worked with Delores Tiburcio, 60th Civil Engineer Squadron Solid Waste Program manager, to get the program up and running.

The hotel was a great source for recycling because of all the rooms and the recyclables that could potentially be produced, Mrs. Tiburcio explained.

For guests, recycling is as simple as leaving all plastic, aluminum and glass recylables on the refrigerators in the rooms. Hotel staff then picks up the items when the rooms are cleaned, and when enough recycling is collected, it is taken to the recycling center located near the base, said Mrs. Tiburcio. Proceeds are then returned to the hotel.

The program is also a part of the training for new employees.

"All new employees go through an orientation and recycling is part of that, along with energy conservation," Mr. Pauley said. In addition, monthly staff meetings are held in part to emphasize the importance of these programs. "It's a continuing process."

The Westwind Inn is one of the first facilities in Air Mobility Command to implement this program and Mrs. Tiburcio estimates that approximately 2.1 tons of recycling could be collected per month as the program gains momentum. "That equals to about 25.2 tons per year to help in our Solid Waste Diversion Program, meaning we are diverting this waste stream from the landfill," she said.

The process of starting the program was made easier because of the lack of contractual changes and the team work between environmental and the Westwind Inn. 

"We were able to do the recycling program without changing any contracts," Mrs. Tiburcio said. "... and Mr. Pauley has been so supportive to this program and very cooperative in getting it off the ground, so it was a win-win situation for everyone."