Hickam’s recycling program competes for a DoD award Published March 19, 2009 By Hickam Kukini staff HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii -- The Hickam AFB Recycling Program has won the General Thomas D. White Environmental award for the best Pollution Prevention program in the Air Force. It now goes on to the Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards. The General Thomas D. White award recognizes the efforts of installations and individuals for environmental quality, restoration, pollution prevention, recycling, and conservation of natural and cultural resources. At Hickam, what began as an office paper collection program has blossomed to something greater over the last 15 years. For example, in Fiscal Year 2008, the Hickam Recycling Program diverted more than 1,850 tons of marketable scrap to local and overseas markets. More than 1,000 tons of cardboard were shipped 'mill direct' to the U.S. Mainland, China, Korea, and the Philippines. Sales value of cardboard alone exceeded $150,000 for FY 08. Other efforts included finding more green methods to do things around base (like using digital imaging for dentistry rather than film), supporting green building construction, and partnering with other military and local stakeholders in sustainability efforts. These are just a few examples of how the program has made a difference.