Bank statements, old tax documents, maybe receipts you've been meaning to throw away -- what do you have lying around with personal information on it? The city of Houston wants to help you get rid of all those sensitive documents safely. You can do this for free.
Any sensitive documents containing personal information such as your Social Security number, your birthday, employer information, bills and even pre-approved credit card applications shouldn't be just thrown in the trash. The mayor's office is spearheading this initiative, with the help of Data Shredding Services of Texas, to keep your important and personal information out of the hands of criminals.
Nelson Espitia with the city of Houston explained, "People go through the trash. I understand there was a story recently about people .... getting a hold of people's money orders and making copies. The next thing you know, your Social Security number is being used for something you didn't even know of."
You can take your documents Saturday morning to the Houston police Westside Substation on Dairy Ashford for shredding. The service is free and will be available from 10am to 2pm. There will be additional document shredding events throughout the summer, at HPD stations around the city.
On the same day, the DEA will help take any unused or expired prescription drugs off your hands. National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day will take place on Saturday, April 28 from 10am to 2pm This is a great opportunity for those who missed the previous events, or who have subsequently accumulated unwanted, unused prescription drugs, to safely dispose of those medications.
The service is free, anonymous and open to all. All tablets, capsules and solid dosage forms will be collected.
Six HPD locations will participate:
- Kingwood - 3915 Rustic Woods Drive - Kingwood 77339
- Northeast - 8301 Ley Road - Houston 77028
- South Central - 2202 Saint Emanuel - Houston 77003
- Westside - 3203 South Dairy Ashford Road - Houston 77082
- Southeast - 8300 Mykawa Road - Houston 77048
- Clear Lake - 2855 Bay Area Boulevard - Houston 77058
For more locations, check the DEA website.
