June 17, 2022

What Do I Do with My Confidential Information?

Learn How a Community Shred-it Event Can Help You Protect Your Confidential Information

Every year, Shred-it locations host Community Shred-it Events to promote information security and recycling in local neighbourhoods. These events may be done in partnership with local businesses or community groups to raise funds for various charitable causes, and they give community members the opportunity to have their personal documents destroyed by on-site shredding trucks for free or for a nominal fee.

Some consumers may not be aware of Community Shred-it Events in their area or how and why they should participate. The following provides information on what to expect at a Community Shred-it Event and benefits to participants.

How Can Community Shred-it Events Help Prevent Identity Fraud?

Identity theft continues to be a growing problem for consumers across Canada. The number of identity thefts has increased during the pandemic. During the three years before COVID-19, reports of ID fraud were stable at around 9,500, but in 2020 that average increased to 17,377. According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, Canadians lost $106.4 million to fraud in 2020.

Disposing documents in the trash or recycling bin with personally identifiable information (PII), such as names, addresses, financial information, bank account numbers, social insurance information, and more, can increase the chances of physical data theft. “Dumpster divers” can steal these documents from the trash and use them to commit crimes such as withdrawing money, getting a credit card or loan, opening a utility account, stealing tax refunds, and receiving medical care.

Community Shred-it Events help ensure that sensitive personal information is securely destroyed, reducing the chances of identity theft.

What Are the Other Benefits of Community Shred-it Events?

In addition to helping prevent identity theft, Community Shred-it Events promote sustainability, as all shredded documents are ultimately recycled. A single Community Shred-it Event can result in the recycling of more than 70 tons of paper.

Shred-it locations often partner with local non-profit organizations to raise money during Community Shred-it Events. By participating in these events, consumers can connect with their fellow community members and contribute to a great local cause.

In addition, these events promote and highlight the importance of information security and reinforce a sense of community that builds goodwill.

What Should Consumers Bring to Community Shred-it Events?

Residents can and should bring any paper documents containing personal information to Community Shred-it Events. Some examples include:

What Shouldn’t Consumers Bring to Community Shred-it Events?

Community Shred-it Events only offer paper document shredding services, so consumers should not bring any specialty information storage or other types of waste, including:

If Consumers Have Specialty Products That Can’t Be Destroyed at a Community Shred-it Event, What Should They Do?

While Community Shred-it Events only manage paper document destruction, the Shred-it team can destroy many other types of information storage, from hard drives to building entry passes to binders. Visit our specialty information destruction page to learn more.

To find a Community Shred-it Event near you, download our infographic and visit our Community Shred-it Events page.