Shred Fest & Small Electronics Recycling

media release: As part of Elder Abuse Awareness Month, Dane County Adult Protective Services (APS)—in collaboration with Pellitteri Data Destruction Division, the Area Agency on Aging, Dane County Highway & Transportation Department, Dane County Department of Waste & Renewables, and the City of Madison—is hosting its annual Shred Fest and Small Electronics Recycling Event on Friday, June 12, at Warner Park (2930 N. Sherman Ave.) from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for Dane County residents. Financial exploitation, financial abuse, and financial scams are the leading types of elder abuse each year in Dane County and across Wisconsin. By confidentially shredding personal documents and recycling small electronics (cell phones, laptops, E-readers, tablets, etc.) with identifying information, Dane County residents can help protect themselves from foul play.

“We are excited to be able to expand the annual shredding event to now include small electronic devices,” said Beth Freeman, Manager of Adult Protective Services. “So much of our confidential information is now stored on our personal devices. Offering both shredding and electronics recycling, in collaboration with our partners, is a great way to protect ourselves from having personal information compromised while raising awareness about elder abuse in our community.”

Documents such as bank statements, old tax returns, receipts, and old check books that are not properly destroyed can be obtained by those with bad intentions and used to access another individual’s accounts, email, and identity. In 2025, an estimated $6.1 million was reported as having been lost to financial exploitation by older adults in Dane County alone, and an estimated loss of $100,000,000 statewide. Of the $6.1 million estimated loss in Dane County, only about $750,000 was able to be recovered.

Dane County residents are encouraged to bring their personal documents (up to three bags/boxes per vehicle) to be confidentially shredded by Pellitteri Data Destruction Division. In addition, Dane County Waste & Renewables will be accepting small personal electronics for recycling. Electronics that will be accepted include cell phones, laptops, e-readers, and/or tablets. Dane County Waste & Renewables will then ensure the devices are properly and safely recycled—protecting personal information that may be stored on them.

Volunteers will be on hand to guide Dane County residents to the appropriate areas at Warner Park, and additional volunteers will assist in taking the items from an individual’s vehicle to the appropriate recycling areas.