Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., and Assembly Member Jenifer Rajkumar hosted a paper shredding event in Forest Park on Saturday to promote identity theft prevention and environmentally responsible document disposal.
The event, held on Sept. 28, aimed to provide a secure way for residents to dispose of sensitive documents while also emphasizing recycling and environmental sustainability.
“This shredding event is a great opportunity for our community to take proactive steps in protecting themselves against identity theft,” said Senator Addabbo. “By providing a safe and convenient way to dispose of sensitive documents, we empower our residents to safeguard their personal information while recycling paper.”
The event responded to growing concerns over identity theft, which affected approximately 1.4 million consumers in 2022, according to the Federal Trade Commission. By offering a secure method for document disposal, Addabbo and Rajkumar sought to mitigate the risks of sensitive information falling into the wrong hands.
Throughout the four-hour event, a steady line of cars stretched around the Forest Park Bandshell Parking Lot as dozens of constituents dropped off unwanted documents. By the end of the event, 2.9 tons—or 5,800 pounds—of paper were shredded, which is the equivalent of saving 49 trees.
The United War Veterans Council was also present to collect clothing, household items, and small pieces of furniture, with assistance from 104COP personnel. The drive collected a total of 3,293 pounds of donations, contributing to the event’s broader goal of promoting community involvement and environmental consciousness.
Addabbo emphasized the dual benefits of the event, noting its impact on both personal security and environmental well-being. “It’s not just about protecting our identities; it’s about protecting our planet,” he said.
Assembly Member Rajkumar shared her pride in hosting another successful paper shredding event alongside her colleague, emphasizing the importance of helping constituents protect themselves from identity theft. “Recycling shredded paper not only protects personal information but also benefits the environment,” she said. “Every ton of recycled paper saves 17 trees, 4,000 kilowatts of energy, 7,000 gallons of water, and 3 cubic yards of landfill waste. Thank you to all the neighbors who came out for this incredible event.”
