HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- Do you have a brilliant idea that needs funding? The Hill Air Force Base Qualified Recycling Program (QRP) might just be your ticket.
Thanks to the tireless recycling efforts of everyone on base, the QRP has recycled more than 4.57 million pounds of material this year. While the program doesn't make money on some items, like cardboard or plastic, all of the recycled scrap metal generated on base has resulted in a surplus of funds that are ready to be spent.
"The best part about the recycling program is it's all self-funded," said Karl Nieman, QRP manager. "No taxpayer dollars are spent, the money comes directly from on-base recycling activities."
After covering operational costs, the QRP funnels its surplus back into the base through grants for projects focused on the environment, such as pollution abatement, energy conservation, and occupational safety and health risk reduction. Grants begin at $1,000 and can climb to over $50,000. In the past three years, the QRP has allocated $481,000 towards projects improving the base's environment, including asbestos abatement, xeriscaping, tree removal, utility meters, a distillation system and a new domestic hot water system in the dining facility.
"Over the past decade, the QRP has invested over a million dollars in making Hill Air Force Base a greener, safer, and more efficient place to work," Nieman said. "So, what are you waiting for? Let's put those recycling dollars to work!"
If you have an idea for a project, contact Karl Nieman at jochim_karl.nieman.1@us.af.mil or Nelson Bowen nelson.bowen.ctr@us.af.mil for more information. Proposals must be submitted no later than Oct. 1 2025 for the round of funding that will be distributed in November.