DA Form 3917: Refuse Collection & Disposal Guide + PDF

DA Form 3917: Refuse Collection & Disposal Guide + PDF – U.S. Army installations must manage solid waste efficiently while complying with environmental regulations and Army standards. DA Form 3917, titled Refuse Collection and Disposal, serves as the key official document for tracking monthly refuse collection and disposal activities.

This article explains the form’s purpose, usage, completion process, and its role in broader Army solid waste management under current policies. It targets Army personnel, facilities managers, and public works staff in the United States.

What Is DA Form 3917?

DA Form 3917 is a Department of the Army form used to document and summarize refuse (solid waste) collection and disposal activities, typically on a monthly basis. It records key operational data such as:

  • Number of collection trips
  • Miles traveled and labor hours
  • Volumes of waste (in cubic yards) delivered to various disposal methods
  • Contractor involvement
  • Remarks for any issues or notes

The current version is dated JAN 2009, and previous editions may still be referenced in legacy contexts. It replaced or updated earlier versions (such as APR 80) and aligns with Army facilities management requirements.

Download the official form here: DA Form 3917 PDF

Purpose of DA Form 3917 in Army Operations

The form supports Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) principles outlined in AR 420-1, Army Facilities Management. It helps installations:

  • Track waste volumes and disposal methods for reporting and compliance
  • Monitor efficiency of collection operations (trips, mileage, labor)
  • Support recycling, resource recovery, and reduction goals
  • Ensure accountability in environmental stewardship
  • Provide data for higher-level solid waste reporting requirements

Accurate use of DA Form 3917 contributes to cost control, regulatory compliance (including EPA and local standards), and sustainability efforts across Army garrisons.

Who Uses DA Form 3917?

Primary users include:

  • Public Works and Facilities Engineering personnel
  • Refuse collection crews and supervisors
  • Waste management contractors supporting Army installations
  • Environmental and DPW (Directorate of Public Works) staff responsible for monthly reporting

The form requires a Prepared By signature (usually the operator or supervisor) and Approved By signature (typically a manager or commander designee).

How to Fill Out DA Form 3917 (Step-by-Step)?

While the Army does not publish separate standalone instructions, the form is straightforward. Follow these best practices based on its layout and related guidance:

  1. Header Information: Enter the Month and Year covered by the report.
  2. Daily/Operational Entries (typically in a table format):
    • Date
    • Miles traveled by collection vehicles
    • Labor Hours
    • No. of Trips
  3. Disposal Volumes (Cubic Yards): Record amounts delivered to:
    • Sanitary Landfill (M2211)
    • Incinerator (M2212)
    • Resource Recovery/Recycle (M2213)
    • Source Separation (M2214)
    • Other (M2215)
    • Contractor (M2220)
  4. Totals: Calculate daily or periodic totals and the Grand Total Cubic Yards (noting the conversion: 8 cans = 1 cu. yd. where applicable).
  5. Signatures: Complete Prepared By (name, signature, date) and Approved By (name, signature, date).
  6. Remarks: Add any relevant notes on issues, unusual events, equipment problems, or achievements.

Tip: Use electronic tools or pdfFiller-style platforms for digital completion where authorized, but always verify against official Army publishing standards.

  • DA Form 3916: Daily Log of Truck Trips for Refuse Collection and Disposal (provides detailed daily backup data often summarized on DA Form 3917).
  • AR 420-1: The governing regulation for Army Facilities Management, including Chapter 23 on Non-Hazardous Solid Waste Management.
  • Installation-specific Solid Waste Management Plans.

Importance in Modern Army Waste Management

Army policy emphasizes the waste management hierarchy: Source Reduction > Reuse/Recycle/Compost > Energy Recovery > Landfill/Disposal. DA Form 3917 helps installations measure progress toward these goals while maintaining detailed records for audits, budgeting, and environmental reporting.

Proper documentation supports:

  • Compliance with federal, state, and local environmental laws
  • Qualified Recycling Programs (QRP)
  • Cost recovery through waste reduction
  • Safety and efficiency in operations

Best Practices for Compliance and Efficiency

  • Submit reports promptly at month-end
  • Cross-reference with vehicle logs and scale tickets for accuracy
  • Integrate data into broader installation environmental management systems
  • Train personnel on proper form completion and waste segregation
  • Review trends over time to identify opportunities for improvement (e.g., increasing recycling rates)

For the most current guidance, consult your local Directorate of Public Works (DPW) or the latest version of AR 420-1 on Army Publishing Directorate (APD) websites.

Need the form?
Download DA Form 3917 Here

This information is for educational and reference purposes. Always refer to official Army regulations and your chain of command for mission-specific requirements.