The Pennsauken Environmental Commission is hosting its annual resident-only shredding event at the Park Avenue School Campus, 8201 Park Ave., on Saturday, April 5, from 8:00 a.m. to noon.

With identity theft and financial fraud on the rise, properly disposing of personal documents is crucial. Bank statements, credit card offers, medical records, and tax documents contain sensitive information that criminals can exploit if not securely destroyed. According to the Federal Trade Commission, there were over 1 million reports of identity theft in the U.S. in 2023. Shredding personal documents significantly reduces the chances of identity theft, protecting individuals from financial and personal harm.

This paper-only shredding event is solely for Pennsauken and Merchantville residents, not businesses; those who attend must bring an I.D. Items for shredding should be placed in the rear of the vehicle, such as a trunk, truck bed, or an unoccupied back seat.

Things that can be shredded include anything that has your signature, account number, social security number, etc., as well as any type of medical or legal information; documents can range from bank statements and credit card offers to tax forms and utility bills. No commercial paperwork, please.

This is not a recycling event; also, items such as hardcover books, magazines, etc. will not be accepted.

These events are extremely well attended; residents are encouraged not to wait until the last minute to arrive.

For more information, visit “Pennsauken Township Environmental Commission” on Facebook.