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New Yorkers Say Good Riddance To 2015's Bad Memories

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Many folks are saying goodbye to bad memories from 2015 in an effort to get the new year off to a good start.

The sound of a mallet smashing reminders from 2015 echoed through Times Square as dozens lined up to take part in the 9th Annual Good Riddance Day.

Jennifer Valez of Brooklyn who overcame an illness this year got rid of one empty and one full medicine bottles, as well as an invitation to her canceled wedding and some of her ex's clothing.

"I don't think this is gonna totally completely shut off my emotions and feelings from this year, but I think that it will be a reminder that 2016 I need to put myself first," Valez said.

Others wrote down their bad memories on a piece of paper, which was then put into a shredder.

"It's just for fun, hopefully it'll change my karma a little bit," said Elden of Staten Island, who was shredding thoughts of an ex-girlfriend, an ex-friend and bad mobile phone service.

Also destined for the shredder were "Tinder creeps," credit card debt and several postings about Donald Trump.

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