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Somerset County to Host Free Shredding Event July 18
(For Immediate Release – Somerset County, NJ): Somerset County residents are invited to safely dispose of their personal documents at the fifth Operation Secure Shred event of the year on Saturday, July 18, 2026. The free drive-up shredding service will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Somerset County Public Works Garage - North County Facility, located at 411 Chimney Rock Road in Bridgewater.
Operation Secure Shred is a popular recycling event in Somerset County; we appreciate your patience and understanding if there are long lines or a longer than normal wait time.
The event will be held rain or shine, and is subject to end early if the trucks reach full capacity before 1 p.m.
Did you know seven years is the recommended amount of time to keep most tax‑related paperwork? This means receipts, canceled checks, W‑2s, and records for deductions claimed can all be safely shredded once they reach that point. Following this guideline gives a clear timeline for when it’s safe to get rid of those older documents.
The County emphasizes the importance of Operation Secure Shred to help residents protect personal information and reduce the risk of identity theft. According to the Federal Trade Commission, documents containing personal information should be shredded before disposal to prevent theft. Examples include, but are not limited to, medical records, tax information, bank statements, or social security numbers. Somerset County’s on-site shredding service offers a secure and convenient way to discard these materials responsibly. For more information on identity theft, visit the Federal Trade Commission at https://consumer.ftc.gov/identity-theft-online-security.
Residents from all 21 Somerset County municipalities are welcome to attend, regardless of which municipality is hosting. No pre-registration is required; however, participants must present proof of residency such as a current driver's license, valid lease, tax bill, or other documents showing a Somerset County address. Businesses and commercial vehicles are NOT allowed.
Participants may bring up to six boxes, containers, or bags of paper for shredding. Staples and paper clips do not need to be removed. Junk mail, magazines, and newspapers will NOT be accepted. Residents are asked to unload their own items and take back empty receptacles; staff will be available to assist if needed.
To view a list of upcoming shredding dates and locations or additional recycling programs, visit https://www.somersetcountynj.gov/government/public-works/recycling.
For more information about Operation Secure Shred, contact the Somerset County Department of Public Works at (908) 203-6018 or publicworks@somersetcountynj.gov.
To learn more about Somerset County, register for free email alerts at somersetcountynj.gov/subscribe or follow us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube.
About Somerset County
The County of Somerset is committed to excellence and innovation in public service, promoting the well-being of all residents and communities by providing effective, efficient, and responsive leadership.
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