Free Electronic Recycle and Shred Day!

State Rep. John D’Amico, D-Chicago, is helping constituents prevent identity theft and protect the environment by offering free shredding and electronic recycling on Saturday, Aug. 1 from 9 a.m. to noon at Colletti’s Restaurant, located at 5707 N. Central Ave in Chicago.

“Throwing old pay stubs, bank statements and medical records in the trash can make us uneasy, because this sensitive information could fall into the wrong hands,” D’Amico said. “Hosting a residential Shred Day will allow my constituents to safely dispose of their confidential documents on site, in an environmentally friendly way.”

D’Amico is partnering with AT&T and Chicago Alderman Margaret Laurino to offer local residents free paper and electronic recycling. Documents that contain personally identifiable information will be securely destroyed into confetti-sized pieces, which are then bundled and recycled into paper products. There is a two-bag limit per car. Residents are also asked not to leave cardboard boxes at the event, as they cannot be shredded.

Additionally, an electronic recycling truck will be onsite, so residents can get rid of old batteries, inkjet cartridges, laptops, computers and televisions. Used cell phones will also be collected at the event for donation to Cell Phones for Soldiers Inc., a non-profit group that recycles the used cell phones in exchange for calling cards that are then given to military personnel stationed overseas.

“Old electronics that are collecting dust in your home can be easily disposed of instead of throwing it next to a dumpster,” D’Amico said. “So whether you’re looking to protect your information or get rid of outdated electronics, I encourage you to bring them to my Shred Day to be securely disposed of.”

This event is free and open to local residents. For more information about this event or state-related issues, please contact D’Amico’s constituent office at 773-736-0218 or email johnd@ilga.gov.

Please remember to remove all staples, paper clips, and other bindings. Resident shredding and e-waste only. Boxes cannot be left at event or with truck vendors. Shred and electronics will be accepted until trucks reach capacity. Limit two boxes per person.