What to know ahead of WATE’s Free Shred Day

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. ( WATE ) — WATE’s Free Shred Day is just around the corner, and here’s what you need to know to dispose of your personal documents on May 4.

Shred Day is happening at WATE in Knoxville on Saturday, May 4 from 8 a.m. to noon.

Why should I shred?

There are quite a few reasons to shred papers that are no longer wanted, including that personal information on that paperwork could get into the wrong hands. The FTC reports that in 2023, there were more than 5.4 million reports of identity theft made to the Consumer Sentinel Network, and the leading type of reported identity theft was through credit cards.

According to THP, any papers that have your personal identifying information should be shredded. Documents that one might want to shred could include:

• Credit card applications
• Tax documents
• Bank documents
• Retirement information
• Receipts
• Insurance Records
• Old Pay Stubs
• Junk Mail

What is allowed?

To ensure that everyone is able to dispose of their paper, up to three small boxes of papers are allowed per vehicle. Boxes will be returned once the paper inside them is securely disposed of. Multiple trips are allowed for vehicles with more than three boxes.

Where do I go?

Shred Day will be at WATE’s studio parking lot located at 1306 North Broadway in Knoxville . When you arrive, there will be signs and volunteers guiding you to where you need to drive. In the parking lot, WATE staff members will be available to take your documents to be shredded without you needing to step out of your vehicle.

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