3rd annual 'Declutter Day' promotes personal security, health

3rd annual 'Declutter Day' promotes personal security, health

(Laura Seitz/Deseret News)


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SALT LAKE CITY — When Ralph Larsen pulled his vehicle into the Ute tailgate parking lot, he was taking a major step in getting rid of years of paperwork that had been building by the stack in his garage since his retirement.

Several helpers made trip after trip from the back of his station wagon to large plastic bins, where they dumped reams of papers and printouts that Larsen said were of a sensitive nature.

Considering the volume of documents he was dropping off for shredding, Larsen was quite appreciative of the chance to gain “freedom” from his massive paper prison.

“It helps me very, very much,” he said.

On Friday, the Utah Department of Commerce conducted its third annual Declutter Day at the University of Utah. The event focused on providing the public with an opportunity to guard against identity scams and other potential security and health risks, explained department spokeswoman Jennifer Bolton.

By safely and securely shredding documents containing personal information, as well as recycling old computers and electronics, consumers can help protect themselves against fraud, Bolton said.

“The (original) idea was to start off with protecting your identity by shredding documents that you don’t need anymore,” she said. “Also, recycling old electronics that could hold your information, and we’ve expanded it to decluttering your closet and donating (clothing) to charity.”


The (original) idea was to start off with protecting your identity by shredding documents that you don't need anymore. Also, recycling old electronics that could hold your information, and we've expanded it to decluttering your closet and donating (clothing) to charity.

–Jennifer Bolton


Identity theft used for financial fraud is still a common consumer complaint fielded by the Commerce Department and the Division of Consumer Protection, Bolton said. Consumers can help defend themselves by clearing out documents that may put them at risk to scammers, she said.

Last year, the Federal Trade Commission reported more than 332,646 complaints due to identity theft. Senior citizens continue to be particular targets for fraudsters, Bolton noted.

“Holding on to sensitive documents or electronics may put a consumer at risk,” she said. Criminals steal personal information to commit credit card fraud, phone or utilities fraud, employment-related fraud, bank fraud and loan fraud, among others, Bolton explained.

Examples of sensitive documents to shred include old tax records beyond seven years, bank statements, old pay stubs, credit card statements, and financial statements. Safe disposal of electronics that may contain sensitive information include old computers or laptops and mobile phones.

West Jordan resident Mike Paul used the event to jumpstart his spring cleaning efforts. He dropped off five keyboards, a few flat-screen TVs, along with “all kinds of paper,” in large part because of his desire to be eco-friendly.

“(It's for) the environment more than anything else,” Paul said. “(There is also) the double advantage of moving old stuff out of the house too.”

New to “Declutter Day” this year was the addition of safe medication disposal in conjunction with the Salt Lake City Police Department to help fight prescription drug abuse and keep medical waste from entering local water resources.

According to useonlyasdirected.org, the number of deaths nationwide due to overdose of prescription pain medication increased more than 315 percent since 2000.

Poisonings, misuse and abuse often occur when people store old medications in their homes, the website explained. For that reason, proper disposal of prescription meds is essential for protecting others from possible danger, said Barbara Crouch, director of the Utah Poison Control Center.

In Utah, 97 percent of adults reported obtaining a prescription medication from a friend or family member without a doctor's direction.

“(Programs such as 'Declutter Day') are very helpful because they get the medications out of the home,” she explained. “Medications in the home are available to unintended victims like kids who are orally exploring their environment, teens who are stealing medications and people breaking into houses to steal medications. Getting those excess medications out of the way is part of the solution.”

The Utah Department of Health reported that since 2002, prescription pain medications have been responsible for more drug deaths in Utah than all other drug categories, with opioids contributing to approximately three out of four drug overdose deaths.

In Utah, 97 percent of adults reported obtaining a prescription medication from a friend or family member without a doctor’s direction. Crouch said programs that promote proper disposal could help reduce the number of people adversely affected by inappropriate prescription drug use.

“People think that these medications are safe for me, safe for their neighbor and (often) just hand (excess meds) over to them,” Crouch said. “The way we address it is to (educate the public), and disposal is an important piece of that.”

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