Saturday, October 24th- Shred Day – EL Community Center Parking Lot

Time: 8:30am to 12pm

For East Lyme residents only. Please bring proof of residency to event. Limit of 2 banker boxes. No charge. Will accept donations of non-perishable food items for Care & Share. Please check expiration dates. If possible, remain in your car. Pack your items accordingly so we can easily take them out of your vehicle.

From the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection:

Guidelines for Shredding & Saving Personal Documents

  • Pay Stubs and Canceled Checks: 1 year, then shred those you will not need for tax, warranty or insurance purposes.
  • Credit/Debit Card and ATM Receipts: after you have checked the transactions against your monthly statements, store if you are saving for tax purposes.
  • Before discarding, shred all statements from your health plan, items with your signature, credit account number, phone or cell phone number, social security number or legal information.
  • Keep store receipts until you are sure you won’t need to return or exchange the item. Any items that have warranties should be attached to the warranty information and saved in case you need proof of purchase.
  • Supporting tax documentation, such as receipts, W-2s, 1099s, canceled checks and credit card statements for 3 years after the returns filing due date. Keep copies of your actual tax returns permanently.
  • Keep warranty cards, instructions and receipts for high-ticket items for as long as you own the item.
  • Keep canceled checks and invoices for permanent home improvements until you sell your house.
  • Store car maintenance records until you sell the car. Give these documents to the new owner. Keep the title for as long as you own the vehicle but do NOT keep it in the car.
  • Keep records of the purchase and sale of mutual funds and stocks until you’re reported the transactions to the IRS and keep the records with our other tax related documents.

 

Documents that should be kept permanently in a fireproof box or home safe

Birth & marriage certificates

Current/up to date passport

College transcripts, diplomas

Pension plan & retirement plans documents

Credit card & loan agreements

Social Security cards

Divorce decree and property agreements

Stock purchase agreements

Mortgage documents, home inventory, insurance policies

Tax returns

Will and living will