Arsenal Credit Union (St. Louis, MO) recently held a paper shred event and an electronics recycling event for members of the community to help them protect their identities and the environment while also saving natural resources. Overall, slightly more than 17 tons of waste was kept out of landfills.

The credit union partnered with the City of Arnold and Arnold Parks and Recreation to hold both events at the Arnold Rec Center parking lot.

On Saturday, May 7, the credit union worked with Vital Records Control to securely shred and recycle 14,530 pounds of paper documents on-site.

On Saturday, June 4, Arsenal collected and recycled 19,645 pounds of electronic waste. The credit union partnered with Midwest Recycling Center (MRC), a local company that is registered with the EPA and the Missouri Department of Natural resources and holds R2/RIOS Certification.

Over the years, the credit union has collected and recycled 217,055 pounds of electronics at 29 events and 323,308 pounds of paper at 58 events, or 279.2 tons total.

Each ton of paper recycled saves 17 trees, 2 barrels of oil, 3.3 cubic yards or landfill space and 4,100 kilowatt hours of electric (enough to power a home for six months). It also reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 1 metric ton of forest carbon equivalent. Over 5,000 products are made from recycled paper.