Testing everything from shoes to weaponry, to support the Soldiers’ mission, the U.S. Army Operational Test Command is also supporting the installation’s Net Zero Waste mission. With a footprint larger than a battalion, supporting 500 personnel and 39 facilities, recycle coordinators Eddie Abrazado and Freddie Ochoa are helping to make recycling a part of everyday business.

“Without Eddie and Freddie, the program wouldn’t be as successful as it is,” Michael Borchers, OTC’s facilities division chief, said. “Their above and beyond support of this program has paid off with the recognition OTC is receiving with this award.”

OTC stood out for having the best unit recycling program and was presented a Net Zero Waste award at the quarterly Environmental Quality Control Committee meeting March 21.

“It takes command support from the top leader all the way down to ensure that the civilians and Soldiers support the program,” Borchers said. “Without leadership it is not possible for this program to succeed.”

With the support of leadership, the recycle coordinators leverage opportunities to educate newcomers and share information at the recycle council.

“We keep everyone posted, because information is key,” Ochoa said. “When newcomers get situated in their work stations, we get them familiar on where recycle stations are located within their building and the importance of it.”

Every quarter, OTC hosts a video teleconference with civilians and military personnel assigned to their footprint, and take the opportunity to educate them how to support the environment and installation’s policies and regulations.

“We are both civilians and have continuity so we can push what we have and continue to implement for newcomers,” Abrazado said. “It gives us pride in what we are doing and continue to look towards the future.”

OTC’s recycle council is made up of representatives from each of the directorates that address key topics and brainstorm ideas to make their program more effective.

“We discuss the new issues with the environment and recycle,” Abrazado said. “As long as they recycle, we leave it to each section to decide how to implement their program.”

With more recycle locations than trash locations in each area, OTC is eliminating the number of trash receptacles and making it easier for people to do the right thing.

“OTC empowers their employees to police their own ranks and make sure everyone is doing the right thing,” Glenn Collier, Environmental Compliance Assessment Team lead, said. “They have employee buy-in and employees don’t mind recycling.”

Each week Abrazado and Ochoa walk the OTC footprint, providing assistance to their team members.

“We help anyone that asks for our help with transportation of recyclables from the buildings to the outdoor recycle containers,” Abrazado said.

OTC is not only helping the environment, but also supporting the community with its cash for cans program.

“We collect cans from each divisions to support our headquarters’ children’s programs and events like Easter, Halloween and Christmas,” Abrazado said. “Divisions that collect the most cans get bragging rights for supporting the program.”

OTC’s success is a combination of their recycle coordinators, recycle council, employee buy-in and leadership involvement.

“We were here when Net Zero Waste was initiated and supported it throughout,” Borchers said. “We hope that other organizations will provide the same type of support to have a program that helps Fort Hood and Mr. Dosa (director of public works) achieve their goal for 2020.”