With identity theft a growing concern, many of us are looking for ways to securely dispose of old documents. The vendors below will destroy all your protected information and recycle the paper while they're at it.

What if I already shredded the paper?

The best way to make sure shredded paper gets recycled is to put it in a clear plastic bag and put that into your blue bin. That way the workers who sort recyclables can identify that it is paper for recycling.

What about other items?

Paper isn't the only thing you may want disposed of securely. Contact the companies directly to determine whether they can shred other items, such as CDs or DVDs. Also check out ways to recycle CDs, DVDs and similar materials.

Where to go

• Santa Barbara Area (1)

  • Complete Document Destruction & Recycling — P.O. Box 4899

• Santa Ynez Valley (1)

  • Waste Management — 97 Commerce Drive

• Santa Maria Valley (1)

  • City of Santa Maria Landfill, aka City of Santa Maria Regional Landfill — 2065 E Main St

• Outside Santa Barbara County (3)

  • Earth911.com - Information Only — 1375 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 140
  • Shred-It
  • Total Shredding, LLC — 11636 Goldring Road, Suite B