When is the next free confidential paper shredding event? Free confidential paper shredding events are held annually in March. The next one will be held as follows: Saturday, March 8, 2008 11 am to 2 pm (rain or shine) Parking lot of St. Joseph's Church (corner of Castro and Church Streets) Bring unwanted tax returns, bank statements, medical records, diskettes, CDs, DVDs, VCR tapes, or old credit cards. Paper in binders and notebooks or with staples, paperclips or binder clips are accepted. Limit 2 paper grocery bags or cardboard storage boxes (10"x12"x24") Enter to win a personal paper shredder Learn about crime prevention and recycling Sponsored by Public Works, Police & Shred-It Corp. Can't wait? See next question below.

I missed the confidential paper shredding event. How can I get rid of my papers safely? Are papers placed in the recycling cart shredded at the SMaRT Station? If you do not have a personal shredding machine at home, there are a few options. Check the telephone book yellow pages under "business records destruction" or "paper-shredded" for a company providing shredding services. Often they will have similar events at office supply stores. If not, these companies can provide shredding services to residents and businesses. Typically, they charge residents $5-$10 per file box if you bring them to their location or a minimum of $90 to provide curbside service at your home. If you choose the latter service, consider asking neighbors to join you and share the cost. Papers placed in the recycling cart are not shredded at the SMaRT Station. Papers are shipped to recycling processors where they are then shredded, pulped, dried, pressed and rolled into new feedstock to make recycled paper.

Where can I dispose of medicines, sharps, lancets, and thermometers? Is there an annual event? Residents can safely dispose of medicines, sharps, lancets, thermometers and other household hazardous wastes through the Santa Clara County Household Hazardous Waste program by calling 408-299-7300 for an appointment. The City often has an annual event for drop off off of old medicines and a thermometer exchange (these are the only items) at the annual Arbor day on the second Saturday in March. Walgreens on Rengstorff also has an annual event for disposal of medicines in May. Information about where to dispose of consumer electronic hazardous wastes such as computer monitors, televisions and other electronics can also be found at the link provided below. Click to View

What environmental events does the City sponsor? Although Earth Day is April 22nd annually, the City has a variety of environmental events year-round. The following is a summary of events: Confidential Paper Shredding Day Safe Medications Disposal Day Thermometer Exchange Above events are held in conjunction with California Arbor Day on the second Saturday in May in Pioneer Park near the Library. The Confidential Paper Shredding Day is held in the parking lot of St. Joseph's Church on Castro Street on the same day. Citywide Garage Sale Community Yard Sale Above events are held sometime in May, with the Citywide Garage Sale being held at homes throughout Mountain View, and the Community Yard sale being held at Rengstorff Park. In April, information will be posted on www.mvrecycle.org under "Events". Household Hazardous Waste Drop Off Event is held on Saturdays through the year at a variety of locations. Call 408-299-7300 or visit www.mvrecycle.org and click on household hazardous waste and e-waste for more information. Home Composting Workshops are held monthly on Saturdays throughout the year at the Rengstorff Community Center and other locations. Call 408-918-4640 or visit www.mvrecycle.org and click on home composting for more information.

National River Clean Up in May and California Coastal Clean Up Day in September is handled by the Fire Department, Urban Runoff Program. Earth Day is Every Day and we encourage you to take advantage of a variety of volunteer activities advertised in newspapers, radio and television in the Spring. For more information, visit www.earthday.org.