WICKER PARK — If canceled checks, credit card statements, love letters from your ex and other papers are weighing you down, you can stuff all of it in bags and watch the pulp get destroyed at a free paper shredding and electronics recycling event set for Saturday.
But be sure to arrive early. The most recent event back in November drew a crowd of over 100 and the parked Shred-It truck was so full it had to turn people away.
Sponsored by the Special Service Area Taxpayer District No. 33, the shredding and electronics waste recycling opportunity returns to the parking lot of Pritzker School from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, at 2020 W. Evergreen St. in Wicker Park.
Ongoing for several years, the bimonthly event started in 2009. Since then, the effort has collected about 56 tons of paper and 16 tons of electronics, according to Beth Sholtis, a staffer with the chamber of commerce.
Sholtis said on Friday that the Shred-It truck used back in November was a smaller truck because the contractor's larger one had been deployed elsewhere on that day.
The bigger truck, offering more space for shredding more papers, will return on Saturday, Sholtis assured, though she encouraged people to come early.
Residents can shred up to three boxes or bags for free; additional material can be shredded for $5 per box or bag.
There will be an opportunity to dispose of electronics, too. PC Rebuilders & Recyclers, which refurbishes retired computers for schools, nonprofit groups and homes, will collect unwanted computers and wipe away any personal information.
Desktop computers, laptops, monitors, printers, cables, mice, keyboards, fax machines, TVs, VCRs, DVD and MP3 players, video game consoles, cell phones and video equipment can all be dropped off. No household appliances will be accepted.
After Saturday, the next three 2016 free shredding dates will be May 14, July 9, Sept. 10 and Nov. 12.
For more info, visit the Wicker Park Bucktown Special Service Area No 33's website, or call 773-384-2672.
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