Ramstein Recycling Center takes out the trash

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Alexandria Mosness
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  Recycling might come as a shock to some when they first arrive in Germany, but the Ramstein Recycling Center has many ways to help make the transition much smoother.

To help make their recycling experience a little bit easier, one man sifts through the garbage and helps all customers who pass through the gates of the recycling center.

"I do it all," said Gerhardt Bortscheller, Ramstein recycling center technician. "From unloading, to paperwork, and also helping customers... I do a little bit of everything."

A little bit of everything goes a long way too with the Ramstein Recycling Center.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, waste generation was more than 236 million tons in the U.S., and with each American producing more than four pounds of trash a day, it makes sense to have recycling centers.

Air Force Instruction (AFI) 32-7080, "Pollution Prevention Program," states, "Each installation will strive to recycle as much of the solid waste stream as possible."

Ramstein Air Base, along with Mr. Bortscheller, are doing their part to help decrease the amount of trash being thrown away and divert more to be recycled.

And with more waste being recycled, it makes for odd things showing up at the recycling center. Working in the recycling business for more than six years, Mr. Bortscheller has seen a lot of interesting articles people want to recycle.

"I see a lot of crazy items, but the most bizarre would be life-size cardboard people and live animals," Mr. Bortscheller said.

And, while people might drop these things off, it is against the rules to leave live animals at the recycling center.

While Ramstein has a recycling center, it's use is limited and not everyone can use it.

"Sometimes people get mad at me because I have to tell them they cannot use the recycling center," he added. "Only people who live on base are allowed to use the recycling center."

However, there is one exception to this rule.

"If you have permanent change of station orders, you can come use the recycling center," Mr. Bortscheller said. "But, you must bring a copy of your orders, if not; we cannot let you use the recycling center."

But, Mr. Bortscheller does not say no just because he wants to.

"If you live off base, you are paying for use of the recycling center in your village," he said. "You just have to find out where you need to go. We are working on a chart to show all the recycling centers in the villages."

Although Mr. Bortscheller has to deal with a lot of complaints, he does not let this get him down.

"He is a great, caring professional that goes above and beyond in his work," said Col. Mark Engeman, Headquarters U.S. Air Forces in Europe, operations support division chief. "I have watched him help everyone, regardless of the weather or how much stuff they are bringing to the recycling center. He jumps right up from his office, puts on his gloves and starts helping. He could just sit there, but he doesn't. And, he always has a smile and asks you how your day is going."

Great customer service could not come without his adoration for the job.

"I love the job I do," Mr. Borthscheller said. "Getting to work with the customers is what really makes it perfect for me. It's nice to see the different people who come to the recycling center. I find it enjoyable to talk with all the people who come over here."

Some things Mr. Bortscheller said he would like people to remember is to separate the items you dropped off at the recycling center.

"There are different areas for the each item," Mr. Bortscheller said. "There are receptacles for cardboard and paper, bulk trash and glass. By the customers putting their trash in the right bin, it makes my job easier. If not, I have to go through and resort it all."