I tear my name, address & account details out of all bills/statements/business letters before putting them in the recycling bins inside envelopes or bags, never loose. These bits are also torn up & mixed in with my general rubbish.

After a neighbour's sudden death his friends just dumped all his paperwork in the recycling bin, but as his account was closed it probably didn't matter (tho there just might be a new person of that name somewhere in the financial system). However, I have also seen bills from (living) neighbours in our recycling bin. When see them I try to tuck them into the newspapers etc.

It was great when I worked for a govt agency where staff were permitted to dispose of personal confidential paperwork in the DUS system. DUS = Destroy under Supervision - official forms & working notes etc. went into locked bins then off to a secure recycling facility & eventually became cardboard.

Penny, a local pet shop has a sign in it's window asking for shredded paper & promising that the puppies & kittens won't read the details!

sandra