Identity theft has in recent years become a real concern for many people. The internet is constantly prowled by fraudsters trying to find ways through tight security systems. Shop systems have been infiltrated and millions of peoples details have been exposed.

But what about right on your doorstep?

I recall some of the early concerns people had regarding identity fraud were criminals going through their rubbish to find contact details and any old bills or statements.

Does this still happen and do green bins make it easier?

Most of the rubbish I put in my green bin is clean. Because I know my local council can’t process a lot of packaging (even if it says it is recyclable), I only put paper, cans/tins and plastic bottles out for recycling. I rinse tins, cans and bottles so they don’t stink.

This makes my green bin a relatively safe and clean place for a criminal to go rooting around in.

Not to mention the paper recycling plant must be a pretty clean place full of discarded information.

Shredding is NOT the answer. Shredded paper cannot be recycled as easily as whole sheets because shreddings are usually made up of different types of paper. Sounds weird but if it costs more to sort it, the council wont do it, and that’s easier to understand!

I tear out personal details, wet the bit of paper and screw it up in with the non-recyclable waste and I even think that’s slight overkill!