Free Paper Shredding Events Near Me In 2023

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Searching for “free paper shredding events near me in 2023?” Here’s a list of free shredding events by region!

 A box of shredded paper from free paper shredding events near me

Have sensitive documents to destroy?

Identity theft and privacy are still valid concerns in 2023. If you have some stacks of paperwork that you would like shredded, but don’t feel like doing it yourself, there are many free shredding events open to the public. These events most often take place in the spring and fall which is also a perfect time to do a little cleaning.

A quick search for free shredding events near me brought up tons of options, including one shred event near me that was hosted by the local township. Chances are, that there are plenty of paper shredding options near you too! To help you find these events quickly, I compiled a list of shredding events by state and region!

When I’m searching for free shredding events near me, here’s where I usually look:

  • For general paper shredding near me, I search local government websites.
  • For free paper shredding for seniors near me, I search various senior organizations like AARP.
  • I search local nonprofits as some paper shredding events near me are hosted by or benefit nonprofits like the Ronald McDonald House.
  • The Better Business Bureau often hosts these events so I make sure check their website.
  • I always check with credit unions, banks, and other financial institutions as they regularly host free recycling events.
  • Many shred events take place outside public libraries so I make sure to check the website of mine for any upcoming events.
  • Some shredding events near me are hosted by or benefit environmental groups so I search for “recycle events,” “community shred days,” and “shred event near me.”

If you try to search this way, chances are you’ll find at least a few events in your area!

A pile of paperwork being taken to a free shredding event near me


Searching for “free paper shredding events near me in 2023”? Here are a few events broken down by region and state:


Free Paper Shredding Events Near Me in the Northeast for 2023

Connecticut

Delaware

  • Where: Newark, DE – Newark Recycling Center
    When: The 1st Wednesday of every month from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
    Information: On the first Wednesday of every month, residents can bring up to 2 boxes of paper to be shredded for free.

District of Columbia

Maine

Shredded Paper from a paper shredding event near me - Pixabay photo

Maryland

Massachusetts

New Hampshire

  • Where: Multiple New Hampshire Locations
    When: September and October 2023
    Information: SecurShed is hosting several free shred events throughout the state. Bring up to 5 boxes of shredding per vehicle. You may also bring up to 5 hard drives, laptops, or computers to be recycled. See their website for a list of dates, locations, and times. Additional dates were also posted on the Service Credit Union website.

Hand holding shredded paper

 

New Jersey

New York

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

Vermont

  • Where: Multiple Vermont Locations
    When: September and October 2023
    Information: SecureShed is hosting several events throughout the state. See their website for a list of dates, times, locations, and instructions.
  • Where: Rutland, VT – Diamond Run Mall Parking Lot
    When: September 20, 2023 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
    Information: AARP is hosting this free shredding event for seniors and the general public. Bring up to 3 boxes per vehicle.

Virginia

  • Where: Arlington, VA – Earth Products Yard
    When: The 1st Saturday of the month (excluding holidays) from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
    Information: For Arlington County residents only. Limit of 2 boxes. No catalogs or magazines. See their website for a full list of dates and regulations.
  • Where: Multiple Virginia Locations
    When: October 2023
    Information: Call Federal is hosting multiple free events throughout the state like in Chesterfield, Richmond, and Henrico. See their website for a list of dates, times, locations, and instructions.

West Virginia


calculator, pen and tax documents

Free Paper Shredding Events Near Me in the Southeast for 2023

Alabama

  • Where: Birmingham, AL – Railroad Park
    When: September 15, 2023 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
    Information: The Better Business Bureau is hosting this no-cost event. Paper only. Bring up to 2 boxes or bags that are no more than 50 lbs.
  • Where: Birmingham, AL  – Camp Ketona
    When: October 21, 2023 from 8 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
    Information: This FREE paper shredding event is hosted by Protec Recycling. In addition to your paperwork, you can recycle some electronics. Visit their website for a full list of accepted items. Protec is also hosting events in Homewood & Bessemer.

Arkansas

  • Where: Little Rock, AR – Little Rock Zoo
    When: September 16, 2023, November 11, 2023, & November 18, 2023 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
    Information: These are free drive-thru event where you can bring-in documents for shredding and other recyclable goods. It’s free to the public. Visit event website or Facebook page for more information.
  • Where: Little Rock, AR – Park Hill Christian Church
    When: September 30, 2023 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
    Information: This annual free event is hosted by Waste Management and Keep Arkansas Beautiful. Paper clips and hanging files are fine, but no batteries or large metal objects, like binder clips, allowed. All paper shredding will be done by Rock Solid Shedding.

Florida

  • Where: Cape Coral, FL – Busey Bank
    When: October 21, 2023 from 9 a.m – 12 p.m.
    Information: Bring up to 2 boxes or 4 shopping bags of paper to be shredded. Shredding takes place on site.

Georgia

  • Floyd County, GA provides free, confidential paper shredding at the Rome-Floyd Recycling Center on M-Th from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.. For more information, call 706-291-5266

Kentucky

  • Where: Lexington, KY – Sun Valley Park
    When: September 16, 2023 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
    Information: Bring in any documents to be shredded. You can also recycle tons of other items like small appliances, tires, and electronics. See their website for more information. The city of Lexington will also have a shredding event at the Lexington Landfill on September 23, 2023 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Where: Owensboro, KY – Owensboro Sports Center
    When: September 15, 2023 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
    Information: There is a 100 lb. limit per person. Call the Daviess County Solid Waste Department at 270-229-4484 with any questions.

Louisiana

a filing cabinet by pixabay

Mississippi

  • Look for more shred events this spring!

North Carolina

  • Where: Raleigh, NC – Trinity Baptist Church
    When: September 30, 2023 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
    Information: You are limited to 3 boxes or bags or paperwork to be shredded. You must remove all rubber bands, paper clips, staples, binder clips, etc. See the event website for a list of what is permitted.
  • Where: Charlotte, NC – Compost Central & Recycling Center
    When: 3rd Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
    Information: Mecklenburg County is hosting regular shred events in 2023. The events go until noon or whenever the truck fills up. You must signup for the event. Sign up begins on the 1st of the month. See their website for details.

South Carolina

  • Where: Multiple SC Cities
    When: September & October 2023
    Information: The Better Business Bureau and other organizations are hosting several shred events throughout South Carolina in cities like Aiken, Charleston, Columbia, Lexington, Newbury, & Myrtle Beach. See Shred360’s website for dates, locations, times, and instructions.

Tennessee

packing boxes

Free Paper Shredding Events Near Me in the Southwest for 2023:

Arizona

  • Where: Tucson, AZ – Tucson Old Pueblo Credit Union
    When: September 23, 2023 from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
    Information: Shred Day 2023 is a free paper shredding event in Tucson. Declutter your home and take care of the environment at the same time! An ice cream truck will be on the premises if you want to reward yourself with a sweet treat. There is also a second Tucson shred event on October 21 at Tanque Verde Lutheran Church from 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. where you can bring up to 5 boxes of paperwork.
  • Where: Phoenix, AZ – Desert Ridge Marketplace
    When: October 21, 2023 from 7 a.m. – 12 p.m.
    Information: This drive-thru event is hosted by the non-profit Keep Phoenix Beautiful. Bring up to 5 boxes of documents to be shredded for free. You’ll want to get there early because they stop once the truck is full! See their website for more information about the event and to see a list of other accepted items, like food and electronics.

California

  • Where: Hermosa Beach, CA – Hermosa Beach Community Center
    When: September 9, 2023 from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
    Information: This free Compost Giveaway & Shred Event is hosted by Athens Services. Bring up to 3 banker sized boxes per household to be shredded at no cost. You can also bring a shovel and a sturdy box if you’d like to take home some free compost. Must be a Hermosa Beach resident to attend.
  • Where: San Jose, CA – Recology
    When: October 21, 2023 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
    Information: Bring up to 2 banker sized boxes to be shredded. This event also takes e-waste, clothing, and universal waste (like batteries and cell phones). Visit their website for more information.
  • Where: Fremont, CA – 1st United Credit Union
    When: October 21, 2023 from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
    Information: This is a free event that all can attend. You must wait while your paper is shredded. Do not bring magazines, binders, or junk mail. Please remove any metal or clips from the paper. Come by for free shredding, refreshments, special offers, and giveaways.

Old Documents to shred at a free shredding event near me

Colorado

  • Where: Arvada, CO – Partner Colorado Credit Union Arvada Branch
    When: September 9, 2023 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
    Information: This is a free drive-through event where you will stay in your car. Boxes and bags will be returned to you. Visit their website for a list of acceptable items. Don’t forget to enter the prize drawing!
  • Where: Longmont, CO – Waste Diversion Center
    When: October 7, 2023, November 4, 2023, & December 2, 2023 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
    Information: Every single month, the City of Longmont hosts a free shredding event. Must be a Longmont resident to attend. This event is for residential paperwork only and not for businesses.
  • Where: Fort Collins, CO – Guardian Storage Fort Collins
    When: October 7, 2023 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
    Information: Bring up to 5 boxes of paper to be shredded. The event is free but monetary donations for school supplies or donations of 12-packs of pencils are appreciated. Donations go to benefit The Kids in Need Foundation.

Hawaii

  • Check back in the spring!
  • Can’t wait? Shred Nations in Honolulu will shred your documents for 99¢ a pound.

Nevada

New Mexico

  • Where: Las Cruces, NM – American Document Services
    When: Fridays from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
    Information: Shredding is free for veterans, those who are disabled, and those over 60+. You just need to bring in a non-perishable food donation for humans or pets.

Oklahoma

  • Where: Tulsa, OK – Accent Realtors
    When: September 24, 2023 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
    Information: Come to the 10th annual free shred fest and get up to 10 boxes per car shredded. There will be food, prizes, and more! Any donations given go to benefit Little Light House.
  • Where: Multiple OK locations
    When: September & October 2023
    Information: Tinker Federal Credit Union is hosting free shred days. See their website for a list of locations, dates, times, and instructions.

Texas

  • Where: Houston, TX – Vanish Document Shredding
    When: Wednesdays & Fridays from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
    Information: There is no appointment necessary. Any shredding dropped off outside of these times is subject to a fee.
  • Ranger On-Site Document Shredding is hosting several shred events across the state. Visit their website to see dates, locations, and instructions.

Utah

  • WhereMultiple UT cities
    When: Multiple September 2023 dates
    Information: UFirst Credit Union is hosting multiple free events throughout the state. See their website for dates, times, locations, and instructions.

Shredded Paper

Free Paper Shredding Events Near Me in the Northwest for 2023:

Alaska

  • Check back in the spring! Can’t wait? Shred Nations has several locations throughout Alaska and will shred your documents for $1 a pound.

Idaho

Montana

Oregon

  • Where: Keizer, OR – Volcanoes Stadium
    When: September 16, 2023 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
    Information: Bring your paper to be shredded. You can also bring CDs and diskettes to be recycled. Donations of non-perishable food items are welcome.

Washington

Wyoming

holding tax forms

Free Paper Shredding Events Near Me in the Midwest for 2023:

Illinois

  • Where: Rockford, IL – First Northern Credit Union
    When: September 9, 2023 from 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
    Information: It’s Community Appreciation Day in Rockford! Stop by for free document shredding, free taco meals (to the first 100 people), games, giveaways, and special one-day offers. See their flyer for more information.
  • Where: Chicago, IL – St. George Greek Orthodox Church
    When: September 30, 2023 from 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
    Information: This event is hosted by MMRD Commissioner Mariyana Spyropoulos. Bring in your sensitive papers, pharmaceuticals, electronics to be recycled. The Greek church will be passing out food. See the flyer for more information.
  • Heartland Bank & Trust is hosting free shredding events in multiple cities across IL. See Heartland’s website for specific dates, locations, and instructions.

Indiana

Iowa

  • Where: West Des Moines, IA – Maple Grove Elementary
    When: September 16, 2023 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
    Information: This is a drive through event. Bring no more than two 25 lb. containers of documents per person. Paper shreds will be used to make commercial grade paper towels and toilet paper.
  • Where: Cedar Rapids, IA – Iowa Credit Union League Westdale Branch
    When: September 30, 2023 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
    Information: This is a drive through event. Bring no more than two 25 lb. containers of documents per person. Paper shreds will be used to make commercial grade paper towels and toilet paper.

Woman carrying a large stack of paper

Kansas

  • Where: Leawood, KS/Overland Park, KS – Black and Veatch
    When: October 14, 2023 from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
    Information: Join Overland Park at the Recycling Extravaganza. You can bring in documents to be shredded. It’s free, but with a suggested donation of $5 per box. You can also bring in medications, e-waste items like computers, clothing, and some sporting equipment. Visit their website for the full list of what you can bring.

Michigan

Tax forms shown in front of laptop

Minnesota

  • Where: Blaine, MN – Recycling Technologies
    When: September 9, 2023 & November 11, 2023 from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
    Information: Limit of 4 boxes. You may also bring in bicycles, fluorescent lights, electronics, and batteries. Visit their website for a full list of what is acceptable to bring.

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Missouri

Nebraska

North Dakota

bags of shredded paper from free paper shredding events near me

Ohio

  • Where: Cleveland, OH – 5600 Carnegie Ave.
    When: Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
    Information: Cleveland residents get free, year-round shredding services. Call (216) 664-3717 for more information.
  • ProtectNSHred is hosting several free shred events throughout the state in September & October. Visit their website for a list of locations.

South Dakota

Wisconsin

  • Where: Multiple WI locations
    When: September & October of 2023
    Information: Confidential Records is participating in several FREE paper shredding events throughout the state of Wisconsin. Visit their website for a list of dates, locations, and instructions.
  • Where: Greenfield, WI – Greenfield City Hall
    When: September 16, 2023 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
    Information: There is a a limit of 3 boxes per resident. The event goes until noon or whenever the truck is full.

paper shreds from a free shred event


This is just a small amount of the free paper shredding events happening around the country! Do you know of a free paper shredding event that’s not on our list? Share it with us!


Find out how to recycle EVERYTHING! ♻️


About the writer:

Kara is a writer and photographer from the Midwest. Her creative work has appeared in various publications over the past decade. With a background in finance, she loves to be money-savvy.


Join The Discussion

Comments 2

  1. Lora

    Thanks. Our city posts local shredding events on their website and local paper. In the future, can someone from Hip2Save post on the best composter deals? I know you post on products to help the environment, and that might be a nice addition.

    • Amber (Hip Sidekick)

      You’re so welcome, Lora! Thanks a bunch for the request! I’ll be sure to pass this along to the team! 🤗💗

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