In recognition of Earth Month, State Senator Erica Harriss and Representative Amy Elik are inviting residents to take part in a FREE Community Shred Event and Clean Up Day on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Wood River Police Department parking lot (550 Madison Ave., Wood River, IL — entrance on IL Route 143).
The event will provide secure, on-site document shredding to help residents safely dispose of sensitive documents while also encouraging responsible recycling and community cleanup during Earth Month. Shredding services will be limited to three boxes per resident, and electronics will not be accepted.
“Earth Month is a great time for communities to come together to protect our environment and support one another,” said Senator Harriss. “This event allows residents to safely dispose of documents while also giving back to organizations that are making a difference in our region.”
In addition to document shredding, the event will also serve as a community clean up drive benefiting several local organizations throughout the Metro East. Residents are encouraged to bring donations to support these groups and the important services they provide.
“Our previous shred events have been incredibly successful, with hundreds of residents participating and thousands of pounds of documents safely destroyed and recycled,” said Representative Elik. “We’re excited to host another great event and to expand it by supporting several local organizations through donations while recognizing Earth Month.”
Donations being accepted include:
- Glen-Ed Pantry: Nonperishable food items, toys (including outdoor toys), jewelry/accessories, household items, and small appliances (clean and gently used).
- I Support the Girls: New, unopened menstrual hygiene products and underwear (new with tags or packaged), and gently used bras of all sizes.
- Lions Club: Gently used eyeglasses and new or gently worn shoes.
- Metro East Humane Society: Paper towels, pet treats, cleaning supplies (bleach and liquid laundry detergent), office supplies, 30- and 55-gallon trash bags, mop heads, newspapers, pet toys, fleece blankets, collars, and more (new or gently used items as specified).
- Mighty River Recycling: Steel or aluminum siding, Christmas lights, aluminum cans, and other various metals.
- Wood River Parks & Recreation: Gently used sports equipment.
- Wood River Police Department: Unused prescription medications.
For more information on the 2026 Free Community Shred Event and Clean Up Day, click here. (https://senatorericaharriss.com/event/shredevent2026/)
