2025 Newport Shred Event at Edward King House (AARP)

Newport County residents can safely dispose of sensitive personal documents at a free shredding event hosted by AARP Rhode Island on Friday, April 24, from 9 a.m. to noon at Edward King House Senior Center, 35 King St.

The drive-thru drop-off event is part of AARP Rhode Island’s “Fraud Fighting Fridays” initiative, which aims to help residents protect themselves from identity theft and fraud through secure, professional document destruction. The event is open to AARP members and nonmembers.

“Identity theft and fraud remain serious concerns, especially as criminals continue to find new ways to misuse personal information,” said AARP Rhode Island State Director Catherine Taylor. “These free shredding events are a free, simple but effective way for people to reduce their risk and gain peace of mind.”

Participants are encouraged to bring paper documents containing personal or financial information, including old bank statements, canceled checks, medical and insurance records, tax documents and utility bills with account numbers. Each participant is limited to two boxes of paper documents. Bound books, binders, spiral notebooks and cardboard will not be accepted.

Registration is recommended but not required. The full 2026 statewide shredding schedule is available at aarp.org/RIEvents.

Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020). He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide. Ryan...