Talking trash

An Antelope Ridge resident secures a trash can lid with a bungee cord in Box Elder, S.D., March 11, 2013. Housing residents are encouraged to use a bungee cord to secure their trash can lids when high winds are projected and refrain from putting their trash cans out for collection until just prior to their pick up time. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Hrair H. Palyan/Released)

Talking trash

Residents are encouraged to secure their trash cans with bungee cords after their trash is picked up to prevent trash from accumulating along the Ellsworth fence line near Box Elder, S.D., March 11, 2013. Housing residents can prevent loose trash from accumulating around the base by securing their trash bags with the drawstrings pulled tight and tied. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Hrair H. Palyan/Released)

Talking trash

Trash accumulates on the perimeter fence around Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., March 4, 2013. To prevent scenes like this, housing residents should secure their trash containers, when high winds are projected and refrain from putting trash cans out for collection until just prior to their pick up time. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration by Airman 1st Class Zachary Hada/Released)

Talking trash

Due to frequent high winds, trash often accumulates along the fence line at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., March 4, 2013. Housing residents, can prevent accumulation of loose trash around the base by securing the lids with a bungee cord. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Hada/Released)

Talking trash

Published March 12, 2013
By Airman 1st Class Hrair H. Palyan
28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- Housing residents are encouraged to take necessary steps to help reduce the amount of trash blowing around the installation.

High winds have resulted in a great deal of debris clogging fence lines, catching in shrubs and trees, and swirling around housing areas, most of it originating from unsecured trash cans.

"A lot of people set out their trash cans the night before trash day or even the morning of trash day," explained Tim Severson, 28th Civil Engineer Squadron Housing Office assistant program manager. "If the wind picks up, the cans blow over, lids blow open and the trash comes right out of the trash can."

Airmen and families can combat the issue by checking the weather ahead of time and making sure their trash cans are securely closed with a bungee cord until the day of trash pickup, Severson said.

Residents utilizing the large black containers in base housing must also remember to remove the bungee cord prior to the containers being picked up or the company will not be able to open the lids when lifted.

"If it's going to be windy, don't put trash cans curbside until the morning of the trash day or right before pick-up if possible," Severson stressed. "Make sure all trash is secured in trash bags with the draw strings pulled tight and tied. This will keep your trash secured in the event the trash can blows over or the lid is blown off."

Severson added that taking a little extra time will pay off in the long run, a sentiment shared by every member of team Ellsworth.

Col. Mark Weatherington, 28th Bomb Wing commander, explained that the reduced grounds maintenance contract and manpower challenges across the force make it imperative for everyone to pitch in.

"Ellsworth Airmen should take pride in being good neighbors and doing their part to keep the installation and the local area clean," Weatherington said. "It only takes a few extra seconds to tie your trash bags tight and to secure the trash can with a bungee, and it saves someone else a lot of time cleaning up later."