One of Bridgeport’s most popular events is returning after a one-year hiatus due to COVID-19. Bridgeport Community Development Director Andrea Kerr said the city will host Shred Day next month.

 

The event will be held on Oct. 16 from 9 a.m. until noon at the Bridgeport Municipal Complex. As always, the finish time could come before noon if the truck is filled.

 

“We’re happy to be able to provide this to the community,” said Kerr. “Since we started it several years ago it has become a popular event.”

 

For those that are not familiar with it, the city teams up with the Pittsburgh-based Shred-it company to hold Shred Day. Shred-it provides tailored document destruction services that comply with legislation and ensure that confidential information is kept secure.

 

Commonly shredded documentation includes financial statements, receipts, and invoices. Individuals can obtain information from the State of West Virginia or their own accountants – to make sure what tax documentation and other personal paperwork should be kept and what can be discarded.

 

Tens of thousands of pounds have been collected each year since the event started. The first Shred Day was held in 2015.

 

“Generally, we fill up the truck either right before noon or right at noon,” said Kerr. “It’s unique how that works out, but that has been the case. At the same time, if you want to make sure your documents get shredded then come early.”

 

Kerr said the event is for Bridgeport residents and businesses. Kerr said even though there is no cap on what can be shredded, the city is asking businesses in particular to be mindful of the amount of items they bring in to allow for the entire community to take part.

 

“We’ve had to limit the number of boxes in the past, and we would like to avoid that,” said Kerr.

 

One thing the city would like to see is to have volunteers assist to held with COVID protocol. She is hoping to have enough people to eliminate the need for people to get out of their cars.

 

“The goal is to either have people pop their trunk or open their doors and the volunteers can get the items and be on their way,” said Kerr. “That will limit interaction and allow the line to move as we take the items over for shredding.”

 

Anyone, or any group, interested in volunteering can email Kerr at akerr@bridgeportwv.com. The event will be in the upper parking lot of the city building in the police department parking lot area.

 

Editor's Note: Photos are from a past Shred Day event and taken by www.benqueenphotography.com.