Get Rid of Old Documents for Free: BayCoast Bank’s Shred Day Is Back at a New Location!

In an effort to help residents protect themselves from identity theft and clear out clutter, BayCoast Bank is excited to announce their upcoming Free Community Shred Day. This event provides a safe, eco-friendly way for people to dispose of sensitive documents — and it’s all completely free. This year, there’s a special twist: the event will be held at BayCoast Bank’s new headquarters in New Bedford, making it easier for more community members to participate.

A Fresh Start at a New Location

For the first time, the Free Shred Day will take place at BayCoast Bank’s new location at 5084 Acushnet Avenue in New Bedford on Saturday, April 19, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.. The new space offers more room and convenient parking, which should make the process smoother for everyone involved.

“We’re thrilled to host the event at our new headquarters,” said Jim Dorsey, CEO of BayCoast Bank. “This event is always a community favorite, and we’re excited to be able to accommodate even more people this year.”

Protecting Your Personal Information

In today’s world, personal information is more vulnerable than ever. Sensitive documents containing things like social security numbers, bank account details, and medical records are often stashed away, leaving them at risk of falling into the wrong hands. BayCoast’s Shred Day is a simple yet effective way to protect against identity theft, giving everyone the chance to safely dispose of these materials.

“We know how easy it is to accumulate old documents over time,” said Sarah Williams, BayCoast’s Community Relations Manager. “This event is designed to help people get rid of things that could compromise their security, like old tax returns or bank statements.”

What Can You Shred?

The event is open to anyone looking to clean out their home office or tackle that pile of old paperwork. Participants can bring documents that contain personal or sensitive information — things like past tax returns, old bills, bank statements, or medical records. These are the types of materials that should never be thrown away in the trash.

“There’s a lot of peace of mind that comes with knowing your sensitive documents are destroyed properly,” Williams explained. “People often don’t realize how much personal information they’re holding onto. This is a great opportunity to get rid of it safely.”

BayCoast is asking people to limit themselves to two bags or boxes of paper to keep the process moving quickly and efficiently. However, they remind participants that items like plastic binders or paperclips can’t be shredded, so it’s best to remove any non-paper items before bringing them in.

A Green Approach to Shredding

In addition to keeping your information safe, the event also encourages environmental responsibility. BayCoast has partnered with a certified shredding company that follows proper recycling procedures, ensuring that the shredded paper doesn’t just go to waste.

“Shredding documents is one thing, but recycling them afterward is just as important,” said Dorsey. “By participating in this event, people aren’t just protecting themselves from fraud — they’re also helping the environment by making sure that paper is recycled.”

Building Community Connections

More than just a free shredding service, the event also offers an opportunity for community members to connect with BayCoast Bank. Staff will be on hand to chat about the bank’s services, answer questions, and provide information about steps to take in order to protect against fraud and identity theft.

“We want to be more than just a place where people bank — we want to be a part of the community and help our neighbors in meaningful ways,” said Dorsey. “Events like this allow us to support people beyond just financial services, and it’s something we really enjoy being a part of.”

Join the Free Shred Day

BayCoast Bank is inviting everyone in the community to take part in this free event. Whether you’re looking to declutter your office or simply want to make sure your personal information is disposed of properly, Shred Day is the perfect chance to take action. The event will take place rain or shine on Saturday, April 19th from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 5084 Acushnet Avenue, New Bedford.

“We’re really looking forward to seeing familiar faces, as well as welcoming new people to this event,” Williams said. “It’s a simple way to give back to the community, and we’re hoping it will be a big success.”