Naval Facilities Engineering Command Northwest announces receipt of the 2017 Solid Waste Association of North America excellence award in Composting Systems for their operations at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.

"For most folks, recycling is separating plastics and cans from landfill trash. Whidbey Recycle had the vision to embrace the future and create the waste management system that it is today, an award winning program," said Capt. Chris Kurgan, commanding officer of Naval Facilities Engineering Command Northwest.

This is the second year that Whidbey Recycle has been the recipient of a SWANA award. In 2016, they received the Best Collection System award.

The Whidbey Recycle team has made this program both environmentally and financially successful. If solid waste is not composted and sold to the wholesale market, and, if the treated and composted bio-solids are not used on the installation to support the revegetation program, the Navy would have to pay disposal costs.

Over the past four years 2,780 tons of finished compost has provided more than $482,000 in revenue, while 1,587 tons of finished bio-solids helped the Navy to avoid disposal costs of more than $407,000. All revenue generated is returned to the program ensuring its future as an award winning program.

"Whidbey Recycle benefits our environment, our local community and the American taxpayer, a win for everyone," said Kurgan.

From their website: SWANA's Excellence Awards program recognizes outstanding solid waste programs and facilities with environmentally and economically sound solid waste management practice. Winners demonstrate effective community health and safety, and successful public education and outreach programs. Programs also must demonstrate that they are fiscally and environmentally responsible through their compliance with all applicable federal, state and local regulations.

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