MONTREAL (RecyclingMonster): New Bedford, Massachusetts, will hold its free Reuse & Shred Day on Saturday, September 19, giving participants several options for securely disposing of documents, exchanging children's items and directing usable household goods and bicycles toward reuse.

The event will run from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Keith Middle School and New Bedford High School. Participation is free and open to everyone regardless of residency.

Keith Middle School to Host Secure Document Shredding

Paper shredding will take place at Keith Middle School, 225 Hathaway Boulevard.

Each participant may bring up to two boxes of confidential documents. Organizers say boxes should weigh no more than approximately 30 to 40 pounds so event staff can handle them safely.

Staples and paper clips do not need to be removed. Paper should, however, be taken out of folders and binders before drop-off.

Event staff will remove the boxes from vehicles, empty the documents into collection carts and return the boxes to participants. The shredding service will operate until 11 a.m. or until the truck reaches capacity, and organizers recommend arriving by 10:45 a.m.

The service is being provided using a Shred-it truck. Participants will not be able to remain at the collection point to watch documents being destroyed.

Toy and Children's Book Swap Open Without a Donation Requirement

The Keith Middle School Community Room will also host a Toy & Children's Book Swap.

Accepted items include gently used children's and young adult books, puzzles, games, dolls, action figures, building sets, stuffed animals, sporting equipment, musical instruments and other toys in good condition.

Participants may browse and take available items without making a donation.

Reusable Household Goods and Clothing Accepted at New Bedford High School

New Bedford High School, 230 Hathaway Boulevard, will host collection points for reusable household goods, clothing and other items in good working condition.

Accepted kitchen and household goods include cooking and baking tools, pots, pans, flatware, dishes, drinkware and coffee makers.

Clothing and textile donations may include clothing for all ages, bedding and linens, purses, jewelry, accessories, sneakers, shoes and decorative pillows. Single shoes will not be accepted.

Other accepted reusable items include paintings, sports memorabilia, selected musical instruments, knick-knacks, books, textbooks, DVDs with their cases and fine-art prints.

Wet, moldy, damaged or otherwise unusable items will not be accepted.

Eligible Working Dehumidifiers May Receive $30 Rebate

Mass Save will offer a $30 rebate for eligible working but inefficient dehumidifiers turned in at New Bedford High School.

The rebate remains subject to Mass Save program requirements. Organizers recommend completing the rebate application online in advance to reduce processing time at the event.

Bicycles Accepted in Any Condition

Youth Opportunities Unlimited will accept bicycles in any condition during the event.

Repairable bicycles will be refurbished and distributed to local youth. Bicycles that cannot be repaired will be directed to recycling through the event's participating organizations.

Volunteer Mechanic to Provide Basic Bicycle Repairs

A volunteer mechanic from On the Spot Bike will provide basic repairs on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to available time.

Services may include flat-tire repairs and tube patching, installation of inner tubes, brake and gear adjustments, chain lubrication or replacement, brake-pad replacement and minor wheel adjustments.

Visitors using New Bedford High School should enter from Hathaway Boulevard using the bus access road just north of the school.

Event Expands New Bedford's Focus on Reuse

The one-day program complements New Bedford's existing reuse efforts, which include a Swap Shop at the city's Recycling Center where eligible reusable household items can be donated and taken home by residents.

By combining shredding, exchange, donation, repair and recycling services at one event, organizers are providing separate pathways for materials that still have reuse value and items that require secure or specialized handling.