Waste Disposal, Paper Recycling & Identity Protection
Which is safer for protecting your personal information—recycling or trash disposal?
Answer: Neither method is secure on its own. Any document placed directly in the trash or recycling bin can potentially be accessed. The safest way to protect your personal or confidential information is to shred documents before disposal.
How to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft
Follow these simple steps when discarding paper documents:
1. Always Shred Sensitive Documents
Shred all personal, confidential, or sensitive materials before throwing them away. This includes:
- Bank statements
- Medical bills
- Tax documents
- Pre-approved credit card offers
- Any paperwork containing your name, address, account numbers, or other identifying information
Once shredded, paper may be placed in your recycling bin.
2. Shred Promptly
Do not let sensitive mail sit in your mailbox or pile up in your home. The longer documents accumulate, the more time-consuming shredding becomes—and the greater the risk of misuse.
3. Use a Shredder
Home shredders are widely available at a range of prices and provide a convenient way to protect your information.
If a shredder is not available, thoroughly tear or rip out all identifying details by hand before disposal.
Recycling in Portsmouth
Recycling is mandatory in the City of Portsmouth. Shredded paper qualifies as recyclable paper waste and should be placed in your recycling container after shredding.
Taking a few extra minutes to shred your documents helps reduce clutter while protecting you from identity theft.