Q: Why are we no longer allowed to bring our trash on post?
A: The garrison spends approximately $1.3 million per year on trash disposal. Garbage brought onto installations by off-post residents increases the amount the garrison spends. Bringing off-post trash onto installations was not and is not authorized (Installation Management Command Europe memorandum dated Jan. 31, 2012), but has never been enforced locally.
To meet Installation Management Command Europe requirements and to cut base operation spending, the garrison is implementing a policy that will be enforceable and punishable after June 1.
Q: Does the new trash policy include recycling?
A: Off-post residents will need to recycle their items in their communities. Recycling bins on the installations should be used by on-post residents only.
Q: How will the new policy be enforced?
A: Military Police patrols observing a person dumping trash will ask for identification and ask where the person resides. The patrol will verify residence information with the MP desk. If the person resides off post, the patrol will collect his or her pertinent information and forward to the Civilian Misconduct Action Authority for action.
DPW employees will also monitor the trash islands and will report violators to the MPs.
Q: What are the consequences of not following the policy?
A: Under the new policy, violators will receive a warning letter from the garrison commander on the first offense. With multiple offenses, violators could be ordered to complete community service or may temporarily lose installation support privileges. All off-post residents, to include service members, government civilians, local national employees, contractors and family members are subject to corrective actions outlined in the new policy.
Q: When will enforcement go into effect?
A: The policy will be signed in early April, but to give off-post residents time to adjust and set up new service, strict enforcement of the policy will start on June 1, coinciding with closure of the trash collection points on Patch Barracks and Panzer Kaserne.
Q: What will replace the trash collection points on Patch Barracks and Panzer Kaserne?
A: Once the trash collection points are removed, 20 additional parking spaces will be added in the space created.
Q: If the collection points on Patch Barracks and Panzer Kaserne are closing, what about the points on Robinson and Kelley Barracks?
A: The collection points on Robinson Barracks (near the library and fitness center) and Kelley Barracks (near the child development center) will remain open, but can only be used by on-post residents. The collection point at the Robinson Barracks Combined Exchange is only for use by the Exchange and commissary.
Q: What about the financial burden off-post residents will have to face because of the change?
A: The new policy should pose little to no financial burden to off-post residents. Civilians who receive living quarters allowance can include the costs for garbage disposal as part of their annual reconciliation. Service members living off post have a large utilities stipend as part of the overseas housing allowance that will cover the costs. Regular trash disposal costs for the average family living off-post should not cost more €200 annually.
Q: How do we set up off-post trash service?
A: The process may be as easy as speaking with your landlord. Many housing contracts have “Nebenkosten,” or utility costs, which includes trash as part of the agreement. If it is not included, your landlord can assist you in procuring the service. In the absence of a landlord, a neighbor can also help.
Q: My landlord doesn’t speak English. How am I supposed to set up trash service with him/her if communication is an issue?
A: If there is a communication gap between you and your landlord or service provider, translation services are available on walk-in basis at Army Community Service. For more information, call 431-3362/civ. 07031-15-3363. The housing office may also be able to assist those with communication issues with landlords.
Q: When the collection points on Patch Barracks and Panzer Kaserne are removed, what are on-post residents supposed to do with bulky items and hazardous materials?
A: On-post residents can contact DPW to schedule pick-ups of large items and to arrange the disposal of hazardous materials.
Q: Where can I find more information about the policy and how to dispose of trash off-post?
A: Click here for more garbage guidance.