GON Reader Question
Hello Maria,
I need your help. I inherited a large amount of address labels. I've repurposed all that I could (the address is the same as mine).
What to do with the rest? I want to be safe when I dispose of them. It's not really practical to roll over the information with an id blocker, marker, etc. I thought of a fire pit, but most of them are glossy, pretty. And there are safety concerns, of course.
My city does have a free shredding event a couple of times a year, but I can never make it since I am unable to drive. I don't have family willing to help, and my friends are working, have other commitments, etc.
I thought about purchasing
a shredder, but I think it would get gummed up. Plus, not sure if I can get it into my home or if I have a spot for it.
Would soaking them in a bucket of something break down the ink? I'm grasping...lol. I've been struggling with this close to 2 years.
I'm mostly concerned about identity theft since she's deceased...and both of our identities have been in data breaches.
Looking forward to your response.
Thanks, and have a great day.
-- Donna Lee
Maria
Responds
Dear Donna Lee,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful note. You’ve clearly been trying to do the right thing with these labels, and your caution around
identity protection is completely justified, especially after a data breach. I can see why this has been a lingering task, and I think we can finally help you put it to rest.
You're absolutely right to be concerned about running address labels through an electronic shredder. Sticky, glossy labels can gum up small home shredders and
cause frustrating damage.
Commercial shredders used at city shred events or secure drop-off bins are built to handle items like this. They’re heavy-duty and can chew through staples, thick paper, and yes—glossy adhesive labels—without damage. So if a trusted friend
or neighbor could possibly drop them off for you during one of those events, it’s a safe and secure option. Maybe you can offer them a small amount of cash for helping you out.
As for whether someone could really steal an identity using address labels alone—probably not. Address labels by themselves don’t usually give a thief enough
information to do serious damage.
But in combination with details from a data breach, or if someone is targeting a deceased individual, even that small piece of info can be one more thread to pull. So your concern isn’t over-the-top. It’s smart and
cautious.
Here are a few ways to safely manage the labels at home:
1. Cut and Scatter: If you’re up for a slow-but-steady approach, use a pair of scissors
and cut each label into several small pieces—especially cutting through the name and address multiple times. You can do a little bit each night and drop the pieces into different trash bags over time. Scattering shredded bits into the trash across several weeks adds a layer of security without needing a shredder.
2. Use a
Hand-Crank Shredder: If you’re still considering a tool, I recommend a manual hand-crank shredder. These are small, don’t require power, are affordable, and won’t jam like electric models. They’re great for small batches of labels and can easily fit in a drawer or cabinet. One option is the Jikiou Mini Hand Shredder.
3. Soak and Smudge. You can try filling a bucket or plastic
bin with hot water, add dish soap, and a splash of vinegar or bleach. Drop the labels in and let them soak overnight. This loosens the adhesive and may cause the ink to blur.
That said, if the labels were printed with laser ink (and since yours have a glossy coating), the soaking may not break down the text very much. In that case, the
paper might weaken, but the printed information may still be readable.
Soaking is worth trying in small batches, especially if you follow it up with cutting or shredding—but it’s not always the complete fix, depending on how the labels were
made.
Hopefully one of these ideas works for you. It's worth it to give you peace of mind knowing you’re protecting your information and honoring your loved one’s identity as well.
You've been so thoughtful in handling this, and I hope this gives you options you can use.
Warmly,
Maria
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