def #262 10/07/08

COUNTY TO SHRED RESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS; PILOT PROGRAM STARTS OCT. 17

TOMS RIVER – Ocean County residents can get rid of those personal documents in a safe and convenient manner starting Oct. 17 when the county kicks off its Residential Document Shredding Program.

Responding to inquiries from residents, the county will hold 10 four-hour residential document shredding events this fall at municipal and county locations.

“We hear so much about identity theft and taking the proper precautions when we get rid of papers and documents that may contain sensitive information about ourselves,” said Freeholder James F. Lacey, who serves as liaison to the county’s recycling program. “This is one way the county can help in the fight against identity theft by giving our residents the opportunity to recycle their old documents and files safely and securely.”

The vendor providing the service is Safeguard Document Destruction, Manalapan, and the price is 14.5 cents per pound. The county received quotes from six vendors for the pilot program.

“Residents can attend any one of the 10 shredding dates,” Lacey said. “The hours to have your materials shred will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on each scheduled day or until the truck is full.”

Lacey noted the truck has an 8,000 pound capacity.

“There is no registration required and the service is free of charge,” Lacey said.

The program will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the following Fridays and Saturdays at the following locations:

  • Oct. 17 and Nov. 1, Ocean County Southern Recycling Center, Stafford Township
  • Oct. 18 and Nov. 15, Toms River Township Recycling Center
  • Oct. 24, Lacey Township Recycling Center
  • Oct. 25, Brick Township Recycling Center
  • Oct. 31, Manchester Township Garage
  • Nov. 14, Long Beach Township Public Works Garage
  • Nov. 21, Lakewood Township Recycling Center
  • Nov. 22, Berkeley Township Recycling Center
“I encourage our residents to use this program,” Lacey said. “This is a great way to rid your home of the clutter often caused by documents and paper you do not feel safe just throwing out.”

The service representatives are uniformed, bonded and insured. The shredding unit features an automatic feeding and dumping system, eliminating human contact with documents and forms.

“We have taken steps to make sure our residents are comfortable with using such a program,” Lacey said.

For additional information on the program call the Ocean County Department of Solid Waste Management at 732-506-5047.