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Team Scott instills a culture of environmental stewardship with Winter Recycling Event

  • Published
  • By Christine Spargur
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  

The 375th Civil Engineer Squadron hosted a Winter Recycling event on Jan. 20, 2026, at Warrior Park collecting approximately 10,000 pounds of electronics and shredding 3,000 pounds of paper. 

Recycling event at Scott AFB.

Volunteers Airman 1st Class Julian Velez and Airman 1st Class Evan Griffioen sort through a collection of items, along with Jason Gatiss with Arch Enterprises, at the Winter Recycling Event on Jan. 20, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo by Christine Spargur)
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“We never know how much we are going to get,” said Michelle Engel, environmental program manager. Compared to previous events, Engel said this winter event drew in a steady turnout of customers throughout the day. 


“It was a bit of experiment to have this event a day after a federal holiday” said Kayla Seiffert, also an environmental program manager. “We thought the holidays would give people time to get organized, especially those who are about to PCS this summer or those who recently arrived.”


Between the turnout and the amount collected, Seiffert and Engel said they were pleased with the success of this winter’s event noting it was the first time refrigerators were accepted.


“For this event, we were able to partner with Arch Enterprises who is certified to recycle refrigerators. We collected about 10 of them, full size and mini, and freezers,” Engel said. 

Recycling event at Scott AFB.

Kayla Seiffert, environmental program manager, collects paper for the shredder at the Winter Recycling Event on Jan. 20, 2026. The 375th Civil Engineer Squadron partnered with Secure Document Destruction of St. Louis to provide an on-site industrial shredder for the event. (U.S. Air Force photo by Christine Spargur)
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Disposal of refrigerators and electronics can be a challenge. Joon Choi, the installation management flight chief, said, “There has to be an outlet to get rid of household hazardous waste that are electronic based. Electronic waste often contains heavy metals like cadmium, lead and other toxic materials. Things that are hard to recycle. These events provide that outlet and ensures these items are properly disposed.”


“By hosting these events, we not only help meet the needs of our Team Scott community but also we help them practice good environmental stewardship,” Engel said.

Recycling event at Scott AFB.

Approximately 10,000 pounds of electronics were collected at the Winter Recycling Event on Jan. 20, 2026. The 375th Civil Engineer Squadron partnered with Arch Enterprises to include the recycling of refrigerators for the first time. (U.S. Air Force photo by Christine Spargur)
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Seiffert added, “I think people want to do the right thing, but they don’t’ know what that right thing is. If you don’t know, then just don’t throw something away because it’s the easy thing to do. I say it all the time. There are no stupid questions. Don’t be afraid to ask.”

The next Recycling Event is currently scheduled for this summer.