Help Protect Against Identity Theft by Shredding Sensitive Documents

With another tax season wrapped up, it’s a great time to streamline your household filing system by safely purging documents with personal information.

AARP Washington is teaming up with BECU credit union to host shredding events on Saturday, May 20, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., in several communities north and south of Seattle. The shredding service is free and open to the public.

Shredding will be provided in Bellingham, Everett, Federal Way and Tukwila. Find exact locations at aarp.org/wa.

Residents can bring up to three grocery bags or two bankers boxes of documents for shredding. Safely disposing of paperwork with sensitive information, such as birth dates and Social Security numbers, can help prevent identity theft.

At the events, residents will also be able to hand over old electronics, including TVs, computer monitors and towers, laptops, and cellphones. Printers and VCRs will be accepted, too, for a small recycling fee.

The state’s E-Cycle Washington program collected more than 13 million pounds of electronic waste in 2022.

Those who attend the shredding events are also encouraged to bring nonperishable food items for donation to food banks.

—Chris Thomas