Now that identity theft has become an alarmingly regular occurrence, and recycling is the norm, there are smarter ways to safely dispose of potentially sensitive papers.

Mecklenburg County Solid Waste hosted Wipe Out Waste (WOW) Day on Saturday, Nov. 13 at its four full-service recycling centers.

In just a few hours, 23 tons of paper – just over 46,000 lbs. – was safely shredded for no charge by professional document disposal experts Shred-it, Automated Shredding, and DataChambers. 

Nearly 1,100 residents rolled up with stacks of paper and boxes of documents to shred at the event, which was held as part of a partnership with City of Charlotte Solid Waste Services and local police departments. Other household hazardous wastes, such as old paint, chemicals, and batteries, were accepted for safe disposal also. 

A special thanks to the dozens of county volunteers who came out to assist.

Mecklenburg County has four full-service recycling centers at Hickory Grove, North Meck, Foxhole, and West Meck.

For a complete listing including self-serve recycling centers and addresses, visit wipeoutwaste.com.