Free Paper Shredding This Weekend

State Rep. Matt Smith, D-Mt. Lebanon, is partnering with the municipality of Bethel Park to offer a free shredding event for area residents.

As part of his continued effort to promote awareness on the dangers of identity theft, and to provide assistance to those who may have been victimized, Smith is hosting this opportunity for residents to dispose of sensitive documents they no longer need.

“This is a great opportunity for residents to clean and clear out old paperwork,” Smith said.

The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday in the parking lot of Independence Middle School and 2807 Bethel Church Road in Bethel Park.

Residents can bring boxes of unwanted documents that contain personal information, including Social Security numbers, credit card numbers and bank account numbers. Common types of unwanted items that should be shredded include credit card statements, credit card applications, bank statements, canceled checks, income tax information and insurance records. Document shredding will occur on site with the shredded paper to later be recycled.

This is the third such event hosted by the representative. Events held last fall and this spring had nearly 500 cars drop off documents and saved several tons of paper from area landfills.

More information is available through Smith's website, or by calling his office at 412-571-2169.