Free Paper Shredding Events Near Me: Updated 2023

Sick of having that collection of old, confidential paperwork? Get rid of it! Here are some tips for searching "free paper shredding events near me."

free paper shredding events near me


Every year, more than 100,000 cases of personal identity theft and information breaches are reported to the FBI. From common cyber security concerns such as viruses and phishing to larger-scale events like extortion, protecting your confidential information has become more important than ever.

Fortunately, many states and regions host paper shredding events as opportunities for the public to come and shred their private paperwork for free. So, if you're trying to "clean house" and tie up any loose ends before 2024, here are some tips for searching "free paper shredding events near me."

Where to Look for Shred Events

Where and when shred events occur near you are largely determined by your local commerce websites and agencies. Therefore, finding these shred events may take some work initially. However, once you've found the correct source for your specific area, you can bookmark it for future reference.

Here are some other local resources to check:

  • Your town's community center
  • Your local Chamber of Commerce website
  • Local banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions
  • Environmental nonprofits and other nonprofits in your area
 

Finding "Free Paper Shredding Events Near Me" in October

 


Shred Events by Region

  

Northeast:

  • New York: Those in the Northeast searching "free paper shredding events near me" will find several shred opportunities throughout the year in various locations across the state. 

Find a shred event in the New York region

  • Pennsylvania: Shred360 hosts free paper shredding events in various locations across Pennsylvania throughout the year. Follow the link below to find a shred event near you.

Find a shred event in the Pennsylvania region

  • Massachusetts: Massachusetts residents benefit from free paper shredding events throughout the year in various locations across the state. 

Find a shred event in the Massachusetts region

 

Midwest:

  • Illinois: Dozens of free shredding events take place across Illinois from March through November, particularly in Chicago. 

Find a shred event in the Illinois region

  • Ohio: Shred360 is hosting free paper shredding events in various locations across the state, particularly in the Columbus area.

Find a shred event in the Ohio region

  • Michigan: Free paper shredding events are held throughout the year in various locations across the state. 

Find a shred event in the Michigan region

 

South:

  • Florida: There are many free paper shredding events in various locations across Florida. Follow the link below to find one near you. 

Find a shred event in the Florida region

  • Texas: Free paper shredding events are held throughout the year in various locations across the state. 

Find a shred event in the Texas region

  • North Carolina: If you live in or near North Carolina, the website for the Department of Justice is a great resource for staying informed about free paper shredding events.

Find a shred event in the North Carolina region
 

West:

  • California: Free paper shredding events are held throughout the year in various locations across the state. 
    • City of Long Beach: The City of Long Beach Environmental Services Bureau is frequently hosts free shred events at Veterans Memorial Stadium. 
    • Moorpark: The City of Moorpark is hosting free Electronic Waste and Paper Shredding events on Saturdays in January, May, and September for Moorpark residents.
    • South Gate: The City of South Gate hosts paper shredding events on various dates. Be sure to check their website for more information. 
    • San Diego: SDCCU hosts free paper shredding events at more than 40 convenient locations throughout Southern California. Check their website for upcoming Shred Day dates.
  • Colorado: For those who live in Colorado, there are free paper shredding events held throughout the state. Simply follow the link below or contact your local chamber of commerce.

Find a shred event in the Colorado region

  • Washington: Free paper shredding events are held throughout the year in various locations across the state.

Find a shred event in the Washington region
 

How to Prepare for a Paper Shredding Event

If you've never attended a shred event, you may not know how best to prepare. Therefore, here are some tips for preparing for a free paper shredding event near you.

  1. Identify what papers you want to be destroyed: Before attending a shredding event, it's important to identify what documents you want to have shredded. 
  2. Assess how much you have: It's also important to assess how much paper you have to shred. This can help you determine how much time you will need at the event and how many boxes or bags you will need to bring
  3. Prepare your documents: Be sure to remove any staples, paper clips, or other bindings from your documents before attending the event so papers shred properly.
  4. Make an appointment: Some shredding events may require you to make an appointment in advance. Check with the event organizers to see if this is necessary.
  5. Show the technician where the papers are: When you arrive at the event, show the organizers where your papers are located. They will then take care of the shredding process for you.
  6. Bring a donation: Some shredding events may ask for a donation to cover the cost of the shredding services. Be sure to check with the event organizers to see if this is necessary.
 

Benefits of Paper Shredding



 

You may be wondering what the benefits of paper shredding are, besides just clearing out those dust-collecting piles in your home. Shredding your confidential paperwork actually provides many benefits, both personal and environmental. Here's a snapshot of how searching "free paper shredding events near me" benefits everyone.

Personal Benefits:

  • Identity Protection:
    • Shredding sensitive documents helps protect against identity theft.
    • Prevents unauthorized access to personal information like bank statements, credit card bills, and other confidential documents.
  • Legal Compliance:
    • Helps individuals and businesses comply with privacy regulations.
    • Demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding personal information in accordance with legal requirements.
  • Peace of Mind:
    • Reduces the risk of personal information falling into the wrong hands.
    • Provides peace of mind knowing that sensitive documents are securely disposed of.
 

Environmental Benefits:

  • Paper Recycling:
    • Shredded paper can be recycled, contributing to the reduction of overall paper waste.
    • Recycling saves energy and reduces the need for raw materials.
  • Resource Conservation:
    • Recycling paper reduces the demand for new wood pulp, preserving forests and natural resources.
    • Saves water and energy compared to the production of paper from raw materials.
  • Waste Reduction:
    • Shredding and recycling paper helps divert waste from landfills.
    • Landfill reduction contributes to a cleaner and healthier environment.
  • Sustainability Promotion:
    • Supports a culture of sustainability and environmental responsibility.
    • Encourages individuals and businesses to participate in eco-friendly practices.

 
 

Other Resources for Shredding Confidential Paperwork

While checking your local resources is the best way to find free paper shredding events, there are national resources available too. 

Here are the top shredding service and product websites:

By checking these websites, people can find shred events in their area and ensure that their confidential documents are properly disposed of.

 

- Vanessa