Watch CBS News

Md. Officials Hold Free Shredding Events

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- With tax day this week, think about all the documents lying around your house that have sensitive personal information on them.  There were free shredding events held all over Maryland Saturday.

Mike Schuh reports there was an overwhelming turnout.

People took every space on the curb, walked with full shopping bags and baby carriages and drove up with trunks full of paper.

"I came off 83 and said, `I know this can't be for the shredder,'" said Lawrence Little.

The shredder destroyed tons of personal documents inside three huge trucks.  And when you do this for free, it draws a crowd of thousands, people burdened with too much paper they've held on to for too long.

"Well, there's a double line here, out on to Falls Road," said Jeff Rupp, Shred-It.

They rolled up and walked up to shred more than just paper.

"Cell phones," said Robert Beckett.  "They're old and have information.  I don't know who to give it to."

Unlike recycling or throwing away at home, these are guaranteed to be secure because they're shredded on the spot.

"There's a huge need," Rupp said. 

Each one of the three trucks holds about $1,000 worth of recycled paper.  All the proceeds from this shred are going to Junior Achievement.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.