How do you dispose safely of personal documents when you don't have a shredder?

[Elf]

I am having a big clear out and will have a HUGE stack of papers to throw out very soon. I really don't want to have to tear them up by hand, my fingers will fall off.

Is it safe to just put them in the recycling or rubbish? My dad followed a bin lorry once and said he then felt safe about personal stuff being thrown away. But it should be recycled really shouldn't it and is that as safe?

We don't really have a safe place to have a bonfire. Are there municipal shredders?!

Any ideas? Thanks.

Dirty disposable nappies. Stick the documents in with a suitable poo (preferably massive chilli or pasta based thing...), wrap up nappy, and place in bin.

For sensitive documents, do a few keepy-uppies with the wrapped nappy before placing it in the bin.

Well thanks for all the new messages.

Sadly we don't have a bbq, bonfire place or lovely rubbish fire bin thing. That would be perfect. BUT, maybe I could borrow one, as someone suggested.

Also, I really will have LOADS of stuff to do and I have been down the tear up the address details route before and don't fancy it x1000 hence this thread.

No, we don't have a fireplace Lyra but your post made me laugh, it sounded like you couldn't believe that anyone might not have a fireplace.

I do like the water idea, sounds the most simple so I shall find out about borrowing a burner contraption and failing that get the washing up bowl out.

Thank you all.

Get a shredder.
We then use the shredded paper to line the rabbit hutch with. After Magic the rabbit has poo'd and wee'd on it, it's no use to anyone.