Shredding for Safety: Simpsonville to Host Free Identity Theft Protection Event

As tax season comes to a close, residents of the Golden Strip have a golden opportunity to clear out their filing cabinets while protecting themselves against fraud. On Thursday, April 16, 2026, Simpsonville will host a free document shredding event at Heritage Park, part of a national Secure Your ID initiative.

The event is a joint effort between the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of the Upstate, AARP South Carolina, and Shred360. Designed to raise awareness about identity theft, the drive-thru event provides a safe, professional way for individuals and small businesses to dispose of sensitive paperwork.

Why Shredding Matters

Identity theft remains one of the fastest-growing crimes in the United States, with many victims unknowingly providing leads to scammers through discarded mail, bank statements, and tax documents.

Professional on-site destruction ensures that private information never falls into the wrong hands. Once a document hits a standard trash can, it is often considered accessible to anyone, making professional shredding the first line of defense for personal security.

Event Guidelines: What to Bring

To ensure as many residents as possible can be served, the event will follow specific drive-thru safety protocols. Attendees are asked to remain in their vehicles while volunteers handle the unloading and shredding process.

• Quantity Limits: Each vehicle is limited to three (3) banker-sized boxes (approximately 10″ x 12″ x 15″) or three (3) kitchen-sized trash bags.

• Prohibited Items: Please do not bring desktop computers, monitors, laptops, or printers. This event is specifically for paper documents.

• Preparation: There is no need to remove staples, paper clips, or small binder clips. However, large binders and heavy-duty folders should be removed prior to arrival to keep the shredder line moving efficiently.

Planning Your Visit

The event is strictly first-come, first-served. In previous years, the shredding trucks have reached capacity before the scheduled end time, so early arrival is highly encouraged.

• Date: Thursday, April 16, 2026

• Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (or until trucks are full)

• Location: Heritage Park, 861 S.E. Main Street, Simpsonville, SC 29681

In addition to the shredding service, representatives from the BBB and AARP will be on-site to provide educational handouts and practical tips for preventing identity theft both online and off.