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By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

PELHAM – Residents looking for a safe way to dispose of old documents and electronics will have the chance to do so at Pelham’s upcoming Fall Shredding and E-Recycling Event on Saturday, Oct. 4.

The free event will run from 9 a.m. to noon at Pelham City Hall, 3162 Pelham Parkway, and is open to all Pelham residents. The city is once again partnering with Secure Shredding and Recycling to provide on-site shredding and e-recycling services.

The event is drive-through only. Residents can bring up to six boxes of documents, which will be securely shredded on-site. Staples and paper clips do not need to be removed, though binder clips and paper in three-ring binders are not accepted.

Electronics will also be accepted for recycling. CRT monitors can be disposed of for $10 each, while flat-panel monitors are free. Hard drives can be destroyed for $10 apiece, but televisions are not accepted. Payment is cash only.

Pelham’s Acting Communications Manager Gina Womack said the event has become a staple in the community.

“The city of Pelham has hosted bi-annual Shred and E-Recycling Days for at least five years, and the event is always very well received by residents,” Womack said. “Everyone has old documents cluttering their homes, and with identity theft on the rise, people want a secure way to dispose of private information.”

Womack said the city typically sees between 600 and 800 residents participate in each event.

“Most people want to do the right thing, whether it’s protecting their personal information or keeping unnecessary waste out of the landfill,” she said. “By providing document shredding and e-recycling, we give residents safe and responsible alternatives beyond the standard recycling services offered by our solid waste provider.”

She added that securely shredding items such as tax returns, medical records and bank statements provides peace of mind while also supporting environmental sustainability.

“Anytime we can keep large amounts of paper and outdated electronics out of the landfill, it’s a win for Pelham and for our environment,” Womack said. “At the same time, securely disposing of sensitive documents helps safeguard residents against identity theft, making this a service that supports both environmental sustainability and community safety.”

This free service is offered twice a year in Pelham, once in the spring and once in the fall. The next event is scheduled for spring 2026.

For more details, including a full list of accepted items, visit the city of Pelham’s website at Pelhamalabama.gov.