For most of us, identity theft is arguably a much bigger concern than staying Green. Protecting your assets and identity is very important in this day and age. You never know who might get their hands on a slip of paper you nonchalantly toss in the trash. Shredding documents is effective for protecting your identity, but did you know that it greatly reduces the chance that the paper will be recycled?
To Shred or Not to Shred?
While shredded paper that you put in your recycling container will be sorted out and end up in a landfill, there are still some creative ways to reuse it. For example, instead of throwing it out, why not use it to pack Christmas ornaments and other delicate items for storage? Or, send it to The Montgomery Humane Shelter. According to www.montgomeryal.gov, shredded paper – long shreds, not confetti – can be dropped off by the front doors (1150 John Overton Drive, Montgomery, AL., 36110) at any time. The paper will be used in the kennels, saving the shelter money and resources.
Another alternative is to shred only the parts of documents that contain sensitive information and leave the rest intact for recycling.
Knowing your identity is safe and knowing that you’ve done your part to protect the environment… now that’s peace of mind!
For detailed information on types of refuse that can be recycled in Montgomery, Alabama, visit the City of Montgomery’s website recycling page at www.montgomeryal.gov.
