Lance Cpl. Matthew S. Belk, a motor vehicle mechanic with Support Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 4, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), came up with a plan to help his battalion save money in a combat zone through recycling.
Belk’s idea was to implement a system that function tests dead tactical-vehicle batteries. Under the new system, each spent battery that passes the function test is then re-charged and re-distributed throughout the battalion for use in their vehicle fleet.
“This is [Belk’s] brainstorm. He came up with the idea and [gathered all of the necessary equipment],” said Cpl. Edgar E. Aguilar, non-commissioned officer in-charge, CLB-4 Hazardous Waste Accumulation Point, Support Company. “The program has saved [CLB-4] over $120,000 so far on purchasing new batteries.”
Prior to the implementation of the recycling program, all dead batteries were delivered to the Camp Leatherneck Hazardous Waste Accumulation Point Office for proper disposal, said Aguilar.
“The value of the program is that it saves money for the battalion,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Troy C. Havard, maintenance officer, Support Company, CLB-4. “It is also friendly to the environment since it keeps us from having to dispose of the batteries.”