Paper Recycling Question

[Tilly2]

Is it really necessary to remove your address from any mail you might put in the recycling bin? We are scrupulous about removing address labels from anything we put in our recycle bin.
Can someone really steal your identity by using a travel company brochure addressed to you?

Do I really have to open the plastic bag, take out the introductory letter and shred it? I always do that and it's a chore!

[fiction-factory]

I don't always shred the envelopes/covering letters for things like travel brochures but I do at least rip up the address bit into about 10 pieces or I dip it in water and roll it up. The main reason is not identity theft- I just don't like the idea of envelopes/papers bearing my name and address to be blowing down the street as I sometimes see this after the paper recycling bins have been emptied and some bits escape

[aelmpvw]

// I fill a bucket with boiling water and put all my paperwork in it. By the time it's cooled it turns to paper mache...//

if you get as much junk mail as me you'll soon be able to make a half size model of the titanic

[fbg40]

Gavmacp
As a retired Fireman, we were often called to "Persons Locked Out" and were not allowed to gain entry unless we were shown proof of identity etc. If this was not available, we always, and I stress always, requested Police attendance to verify ownership/tenency of the property. I feel sure that today, a locksmith would do the same.
FBG40

[Prudie]

Pointless or not I shall continue to do shred it, even if only for the same reason as FF, I don't like the idea of my details floting about.

[Prudie]

apologies for typos

[Old_Geezer]

It may be an overkill but what with all these stories of identity theft I shred the name/address stuff. Your choice.

[Tilly2]

Thanks for all the answers. I suppose I shall continue to do as I have always done.

I'm still not to sure about what some one could do with your name and address.

[viv41]

It's definitely a chore, but we always do it, quite scared about identity theft.