Ocean County Launches Free Document Shredding Events To Protect Against Identity Theft

Ocean County will start its 16th year of free document shredding services on March 27 in Lakewood. Residents can attend any of 12 events scheduled across the county during spring and fall.

The program helps people destroy personal documents while reducing identity theft risks. Tax season and spring cleaning make this service useful. A full schedule lives on the Department of Solid Waste Management website at co.ocean.nj.us/recycle.

"This program has become a trusted resource for Ocean County residents," said Frank Sadeghi, director of the Board of Commissioners and liaison to the Department of Solid Waste Management, to Jersey Shore Online. "For 16 years, residents have relied on these shredding events to safely dispose of confidential paperwork and reduce the risk of identity theft. The demand continues to grow, and we hear from residents throughout the year asking when the program will return."

Last year, more than 94 tons of documents were destroyed through these events. Demand has grown since the program began.

"The Board of Commissioners is proud to continue offering this free service," Sadeghi said. "In addition to the environmental benefits, these events provide peace of mind by helping residents protect themselves from scams and identity theft."

People can bring household paperwork that contains bank account numbers or Social Security numbers. Each vehicle gets four boxes or clear bags, maximum, with a 100-pound weight limit.

No business materials allowed. Staff will turn away newspapers, magazines, books, junk mail, greeting cards, photographs, X-rays, CDs, and previously shredded paper. Paper clips and staples can remain attached.

Registration isn't required. For safety, residents must stay inside their vehicles while staff unload documents. Place materials in a trunk, cargo area or truck bed so workers can remove them quickly.

Those who shred at home can drop off shredded paper at two locations: the Northern Ocean County Recycling Center in Lakewood and the Southern Ocean County Recycling Center in Stafford Township. Both open Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Don't put shredded paper in curbside recycling bins — sorting equipment can't process it with other recyclables.