DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. — A dumpster may seem like the perfect place to dispose of personal and government property that is no longer wanted or needed.

This is not the case with the dumpsters on base according to the 355th Civil Engineer Squadron.

Common items found in and around dumpsters, that are prohibited, include couches and furniture, mattresses, appliances, engine parts and fluids, green waste, wood products, treadmills and other gym equipment.

“We ask that these items be taken to the local landfill and disposed of on their own time and dollar,” said Mark McGrath, 355th CES deputy operations chief.  “It’s not up to the government to dispose of people’s personal belongings.”

The disposal company will not take prohibited items so it’s up to the 355th CES to find a way to discard the items and costs the base money.

People needing to dispose of recyclable items or verify recyclability of certain items, should call the base Recycle Center at 520-228-2296.

For proper disposal of government resources, please call the base Defense Reutilization & Marketing Office at 520-228-8817 to verify which items can be turned in or to learn about proper disposal procedures.