If you've got a stack of papers too sensitive to just toss in the recycling bin, Washington County has got you covered on Nov. 13. The county is offering a confidential document shredding service at their Environmental Center, located at 4039 Cottage Grove Drive in Woodbury. Open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. this Wednesday, residents can bring by their private documents to be securely shredded, according to a notice published by Washington County.

Apart from helping locals keep their personal information safe, the Environmental Center is an all-year go-to place for the proper disposal of household hazardous waste, unwanted electronics, and recyclables. It lets residents to easily drop off these items without charge, providing a service that not only declutters homes but also benefits the environment.

The value of a center like this extends further. There’s also a Free Product Room—a lesser-known gem where savvy shoppers can peruse and claim household products like paint, automotive supplies, and cleaners, all of which have been previously owned but remain in usable condition. "All items taken to the Environmental Center are inspected to determine if they are usable products," highlighted the statement released by Washington County.

With community efforts towards sustainability becoming ever-more critical, services that encourage recycling and repurposing are key. Through efforts to securely dispose of confidential documents and to find new homes for usable products, Washington County is catering to more than just individual needs—it's contributing to a collective endeavor for environmental stewardship. So before you decide to simply chuck out that rusty can of paint or that old laptop, consider making the trip down to the Environmental Center. It could just save you a bit of money and help save the earth, too.