Department of Public Works (DPW) has offered the metropolitan area’s first permanent, weekly document shredding service for residents at the Benning Road Trash Transfer Station. Two shredding trucks will be on site each Saturday, beginning May 24, from 8 am to 3 pm at the Benning Road Trash Transfer Station, 3200 Benning Road, NE, 20019.

“Recent studies show that more than one in four Americans was a victim of identity theft last year,” said DPW Director William O. Howland, Jr. “Free, weekly shredding is an invaluable service to our residents—not only will it give them peace of mind, it will help the District fight a rising crime in the city.”

District residents will be allowed to bring up to five, medium-sized boxes (no larger than the standard District recycling bin, which is approximately 20” x 14” x 14”) of personal papers to be destroyed. Only paper (staples, paper and binder clips are okay) and unwanted or expired credit cards will be accepted. No business or commercial material will be accepted.

Benning road is a major artery that runs east and west and can be accessed by traveling east on H Street, which turns into Benning Road at the intersection of Bladensburg Road, NE. The street currently is under construction so drivers may experience delays along this route. Benning Road also is accessible from I-295.

“This is the first time we have held shredding services for residents since the fall and we are asking residents, as they did last year, to remain with their documents to witness the completion of the shredding process,” Howland said. “This may result in a slightly longer wait but it will allow residents the security of knowing their personal documents have been properly destroyed.”

For directions to the Benning Road Trash Transfer Station, visit DPW’s website at www.dpw.dc.gov or by dialing 311.