Last year, more than 13 million Americans were victims of identity theft. That’s about one person every two seconds. To help fight fraud, a handful of community groups are joining together for a document-shredding, electronics-recycling, bulk-item disposal and drug-disposal event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 21 in the parking lot of Creekside Middle School, located on the southeast corner of W. 126th Street and Shelborne Road.
This event is sponsored by a team of organizations including AARP, Carmel Utilities, Carmel Police Department, Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana, Technology Recyclers, Shred-it and WISH-TV. AARP Indiana will be handing out information about their free Fraud Watch Network.
Shredding
Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes today and most identity information is still obtained through hard copy paper sources. Shredding significantly reduces your risk when disposing of confidential information. It is recommended that you shred any documents that include a signature, account number, social security number, medical or legal information. The professional shredding is sponsored by Shred-it to benefit Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana. A donation is requested of $5 per bankers sized box or equivalent.
Recycling
The recycling drop-off event will be managed by Technology Recyclers. The following items will be accepted: all computers, servers, peripherals, wiring, cable, battery backups, monitors, TVs ($10 charge per monitor or TV); all electronics, phones, stereos, headsets, DVD players, any small appliance; IT equipment including hubs, switches, servers, routers, racks etc.; office equipment including fax machines, copiers, phone systems, industrial electronics, test equipment, medical equipment and large appliances including refrigerators and freezers.
Prescription drugs
Properly removing unused and expired medicines from the home helps protect the environment and our community by keeping them out of our water supply and reducing accidental poisoning and prescription drug abuse. Uniformed officers will be accepting pharmaceuticals for proper disposal.
Bulk items
As part of the City trash program with Republic Services, drop-off of bulk items will be available free of charge to trash customers (This is for City trash customers only; an ID or utility bill required). Examples of items to drop off include lawn equipment, carpet, furniture, grills (but no propane tanks), water heaters, swing sets, mattresses, etc. Space is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. Please no liquids, toxic, landscape waste or tires. No electronic waste in bulk item disposal. Those items are accepted in electronics recycling.