Free shredding event set in Oxford area

Participants can also dispose of Rx drugs, donate food

Residents interested in properly disposing of personal information should consider taking advantage of state Senator Carolyn Comitta’s free shredding event on Saturday, Oct. 1 at the Oxford Area Recreation Authority.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., during which residents can drop off up to three boxes of documents to be safely and securely destroyed on site. The paper will later be recycled.

At the same event, Comitta’s office has partnered with Chester County Sheriff Fredda Maddox and the Chester County Sheriff’s Department to collect unused, unwanted, or expired prescription medication. The department will be accepting any prescription medication except liquids or syringes.

And while dropping off documents or medication to be securely disposed of, participants are invited to donate nonperishable food items to the Oxford Area Neighborhood Services Center’s Thanksgiving basket program. Suggested donations include boxed stuffing and mashed potatoes, canned gravy and gravy packets, canned green beans, corn, yams, apple sauce, canned fruit, etc. Donations are appreciated but not required to participate in the shredding event.

“Sensitive personal documents can easily fall into the wrong hands exposing residents to fraud or identity theft. Similarly, unused prescription medication in the wrong hands can lead to addiction, abuse, and even overdose,” Comitta said. “This is a free service to help you properly dispose of both while offering an opportunity to donate to area residents and families who may be experiencing food insecurity.”

Some examples of unneeded documents that should be shredded include credit card statements and applications, bank records, canceled checks, income tax forms, insurance records, medical and retirement or pension fund information, and any documents that contain personal information like Social Security, credit card, or bank account numbers.

The event is free and open to the public. However, please note the following:

• This event is for individuals only, not businesses.

• There is a three box limit per car.

• Only paper will be accepted. Please do not bring binders, binder clips, or books.

• The Oxford Area Recreation Authority is at 900 W. Locust St. in Oxford.