(Contributed)

MADISON COUNTY – The Better Business Bureau of North Alabama (BBB) is urging residents to participate in ‘Shred Day’ and the National Take-Back Initiative.

The BBB is collaborating with Secure Destruction Service for free shredding of private papers and documents. On April 26, individuals can take up to three bags of printed materials to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in front of the Davidson Center from 9 to 11:30 a.m.

In addition, Shred Day is planned for May 3 at Calhoun Community College at 6250 Hwy. 31 N. from 9 to 11:30 a.m.

“Our goal is to help our community minimize their chances of having their identity stolen,” BBB President Michele Mason said. “This is a great way to empower people to be their own first line of defense against identity theft scams.”

Along sensitive paper documents, CDs and computer hard drives can be destroyed. Tech Stars will attend Shred Day on April 26 to accept most electronics, except for CRT monitors and televisions.

“The BBB staff will also be on hand to provide expert advice and tips for identity theft protection” and will distribute 1,000 copies of the 2014 Resource Guide, Mason said.

BBB also is participating in the National Take-Back Initiative on April 26. The Partnership for a Drug-Free Community is the local sponsor of the initiative to collect and safely destroy expired or unused prescription pills, thus keeping chemicals away from water supplies.

Take-back sites are Madison Police Department, 100 Hughes Road; CVS Pharmacy, 12275 Hwy. 231, Meridianville; and Jaycees’ Building, 2180 Airport Road and U.S. Space & Rocket Center.

Shred Day sponsors are Secure Destruction Service, WHNT News 19, Alabama Media Group, 3M, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, Calhoun Community College, Cook’s Pest Control, Family Security Credit Union, Lynn Layton Chevrolet, McClary Ford Lincoln, Nucor Steel, Redstone Federal Credit Union, Tech Stars and WYAM.

For more information, call BBB at 256-533-1640 or 800-239-1642, email to info@northalabama.bbb.org or visit northalabama.bbb.org.