After a five-year absence, the Camp Lemonnier (CLDJ) Environmental Division, along with Base Operations Services (BOS) contractor KBR, has revived the installation's recycling program.

CLDJ Environment Director David Bienvenue and his environmental team identified and contracted with a local recycling company to process glass and plastic containers used by CLDJ residents.

"Over the last year we were able to identify a small, locally established Djiboutian recycling company called Ecotech that provides needed recycling services," said Bienvenue.

Following the arrangement with Ecotech, green and blue recycling bins were placed throughout Camp Lemonnier by KBR.

Another ongoing initiative which successfully contributed to the reduction of plastic bottle waste on the installation was the "Million Bottle Campaign," which centered on refilling reusable containers at the various chilled drinking water stations found throughout CLDJ.

According to Bienvenue, "The million bottle reduction goal happened within the first seven months of the campaign, thanks to the positive environmental culture improvements by the CLDJ community."

In addition to the recycling bins, a recycling awareness campaign was accomplished through public service announcements, briefs to arriving personnel, and educational banners placed throughout the installation. The recycling program allows CLDJ to further reduce its environmental footprint in Djibouti.

"By everyone recycling, we expect to reduce solid waste by up to another 20 percent and we hope to promote an even more environmentally conscious culture at Camp Lemonnier," said Bienvenue.

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