Hillsborough County residents can take advantage of free, safe disposal of documents, electronic devices, and sensitive data
Hillsborough County, Fla. (Feb. 8, 2024) - Identity theft can easily occur when criminals uncover sensitive information from the trash or old computer devices. Protect yourself this tax season with free professional shredding of old documents and electronics.
As a public service to help residents avoid becoming victims of identity theft, Hillsborough County Consumer & Veterans Services will host ShredFest 2024 on Saturday, March 2, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, 3602 U.S. Hwy. 301 N., Tampa, FL 33619. This eighth-annual event offers free education and services to kick off National Consumer Protection Week, which runs March 3 through March 9.
On-site document shredding will be limited to three copy-paper-sized boxes or kitchen-sized trash bag containers per vehicle. White or clear bags are preferred over black trash bags. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers guidelines about how long to keep tax records, and here are additional items to consider shredding:
Old bank documents
Unnecessary bills and receipts
Unnecessary medical records containing personal information
Expired home and car insurance policies
Junk mail such as credit card offers with personal information (name/address)
Old travel documents, including boarding passes
Sticky or other notes containing passwords
CDs and DVDs are accepted (no three-ring binders)
ShredFest includes free electronic "e-shredding" to help thwart cyber identity theft. Known as IT asset disposition (ITAD), the process of information technology asset disposition is the secure and environmentally sustainable disposal of unwanted devices containing data. Residents can drop off their old cell phones, personal computers, laptops, tablets, and hard drives to be securely destroyed by an industry-approved and certified recycler.
Attendees to ShredFest 2024 remain in their vehicles to enjoy convenient, drive-thru drop-offs. Consumer protection experts will be available to answer questions. All services are free and first come, first served during this one-day event. No commercial shredding will be permitted.
The park and monuments will remain open during the event.
For more information about ShredFest 2024, call (813) 635-8316 or visit HCFL.gov/Consumer.