QWhy can we not take items from base recycling centers if we want to put them to good use? I used to get wood from the wood bin and use this wood to make new items, because wood is expensive and of course this is a form of recycling. I have often seen complete bicycles, exercise machines, metal shelves and a whole other host of usable or reusable items, but have been told it’s not allowed.
A Thank you for allowing me to highlight the KMC recycling policy. In 1997, we implemented a policy that forbids individuals from
taking material from the recycling centers. The primary factors that drove this policy were health and safety concerns and fraud, waste and abuse. For example, people were removing high-value items from the containers and were allegedly reselling them on the local economy, which is illegal due to tax issues. Additionally, people were loitering at the recycling centers, disrupting the normal workflow.
Also, according to German Law, the materials in the refuse
receptacles are the property of the City and County of Kaiserslautern. The German Law applies to our recycling centers because the refuse contracts are written in accordance with the current Statutory Rate Schedule with the County and City of Kaiserslautern. The producer of recyclables has to hand over the recyclable waste either to the local community or to a certified commercial recycler, because it has to be guaranteed that the materials are recycled in compliance with the law. Recyclables may not be turned over to people or organizations if proper recycling/disposal cannot be guaranteed.
QMy family recently arrived at Ramstein and we’ve been having trouble getting our children into classes at the Youth Center. Nearly every class offered is either closed or waitlisted. When I inquired about the lack of availability, I was told that registration begins in May and is first come, first served. In a community that is so transient, isn’t it unfair to require such early commitments? Can something be done to expand class options and make the registration process more equitable?
A First … I want to welcome you and your family to Ramstein and thank you for providing us some feedback on your arrival. We continually focus on improving how we welcome and integrate our newcomers to the community.
Our KMC Instructional Program is the largest in the Air Force,
serving approximately 2,200 youth annually. Due to the size of our program classes, our registration dates are established earlier than most bases. This time is needed to place the youth in classes and establish more classes if possible. Unfortunately, we have a waiting list each year for our popular classes such as gymnastics and dance. To try and make things easier for families moving to our area and the high operations tempo of the KMC, we created an online registration program. We work closely with sponsors to ensure sponsors are briefed on our online registration program for them to share with and assist incoming families. We check our waiting lists frequently and do our best to place families requesting Ramstein slots at Ramstein; however, there may be spaces available at our Vogelweh program and encourage families to consider both. Check with our staff at either location and they would be more than happy to assist. As with all of our base programs, we are always looking at ways to improve and refine our processes so that more people can benefit from the programs.
The Commander’s Action Line gives KMC members a direct link to wing leadership and is a way for KMC members to ask a question or express a concern on the policies and procedures of the base, as well as discuss safety and security issues. To submit an action line, e-mail editor@kaiserslauternamerican.com with “Action Line” as the subject.
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News for the Ramstein, Kaiserslautern, Landstuhl & Baumholder military communities in Germany 
QWhy can we not take items from base recycling centers if we want to put them to good use? I used to get wood from the wood bin and use this wood to make new items, because wood is expensive and of course this is a form of recycling. I have often seen complete bicycles, exercise machines, metal shelves and a whole other host of usable or reusable items, but have been told it’s not allowed.
A Thank you for allowing me to highlight the KMC recycling policy. In 1997, we implemented a policy that forbids individuals from
taking material from the recycling centers. The primary factors that drove this policy were health and safety concerns and fraud, waste and abuse. For example, people were removing high-value items from the containers and were allegedly reselling them on the local economy, which is illegal due to tax issues. Additionally, people were loitering at the recycling centers, disrupting the normal workflow.
Also, according to German Law, the materials in the refuse
receptacles are the property of the City and County of Kaiserslautern. The German Law applies to our recycling centers because the refuse contracts are written in accordance with the current Statutory Rate Schedule with the County and City of Kaiserslautern. The producer of recyclables has to hand over the recyclable waste either to the local community or to a certified commercial recycler, because it has to be guaranteed that the materials are recycled in compliance with the law. Recyclables may not be turned over to people or organizations if proper recycling/disposal cannot be guaranteed.
QMy family recently arrived at Ramstein and we’ve been having trouble getting our children into classes at the Youth Center. Nearly every class offered is either closed or waitlisted. When I inquired about the lack of availability, I was told that registration begins in May and is first come, first served. In a community that is so transient, isn’t it unfair to require such early commitments? Can something be done to expand class options and make the registration process more equitable?
A First … I want to welcome you and your family to Ramstein and thank you for providing us some feedback on your arrival. We continually focus on improving how we welcome and integrate our newcomers to the community.
Our KMC Instructional Program is the largest in the Air Force,
serving approximately 2,200 youth annually. Due to the size of our program classes, our registration dates are established earlier than most bases. This time is needed to place the youth in classes and establish more classes if possible. Unfortunately, we have a waiting list each year for our popular classes such as gymnastics and dance. To try and make things easier for families moving to our area and the high operations tempo of the KMC, we created an online registration program. We work closely with sponsors to ensure sponsors are briefed on our online registration program for them to share with and assist incoming families. We check our waiting lists frequently and do our best to place families requesting Ramstein slots at Ramstein; however, there may be spaces available at our Vogelweh program and encourage families to consider both. Check with our staff at either location and they would be more than happy to assist. As with all of our base programs, we are always looking at ways to improve and refine our processes so that more people can benefit from the programs.
The Commander’s Action Line gives KMC members a direct link to wing leadership and is a way for KMC members to ask a question or express a concern on the policies and procedures of the base, as well as discuss safety and security issues. To submit an action line, e-mail editor@kaiserslauternamerican.com with “Action Line” as the subject.