If there’s one question we get more than anything else, it’s easily “where can I take paper to be shredded for free?” Most people are all too familiar with the consequences of personal information becoming public domain. The need to keep themselves, their businesses, and their families safe is an unfortunate reality.
While hiring a trusted local shredding company is the most secure and reliable way to destroy sensitive documents, not everyone can afford it. Luckily, storing documents (and their inevitable shredding) has become an integral part of our lives, so a variety of free solutions have cropped up!
From community shredding events to city-run shredding centers, many options are available across the country today. These types of events give you the opportunity to get rid of old documents for free without worrying about using a drop-off center or hiring a shredding service yourself.
Why You Shouldn’t Always Shred Documents Yourself
When you begin looking at where to shred papers for free, your first instinct may be to consider the ease and convenience of doing it at home. However, shredding important documents like bank statements, tax returns, and medical records at home isn’t always as secure as you’d hope. Many home shredders just create long, skinny strips of paper (also known as strip cuts). While it seems like something only movie villains would do, real-life criminals looking to steal personal information can reassemble these document shreds. If not done properly, home shredding still puts your personal information at risk, increasing your chances of identity theft.
Additionally, if you don’t have a shredder at home but you know of one in your office, there are still big risks with using this method. Office shredders might not be designed for personal use. Using them to dispose of sensitive information outside the scope of work could raise privacy concerns or even violate company policies. Plus, company-issued devices or recycling systems may not offer the confidentiality or destruction assurances you need.
While home shredding may seem like a good idea on paper (pun intended), there’s no way to know what chemicals were used to treat the paper, or what’s in the toner, ink, or finishing. The last thing you need when getting rid of your personal documents is to get sick from inhaling potentially harmful fumes or particles in the air. Play it safe and find a reputable shredding provider, center, or event to shred papers for free instead.
Where to Shred Papers For Free
These days, communities have a variety of solutions for those looking to safely shred papers for free. Thanks to these resources, there’s no need to invest in expensive equipment, take risks with your sensitive information, or spend an arm and leg to hire a mobile shredding truck just for your personal documents. Here are a few places where you can shred papers for free.
City-run Shred Centers
Many municipalities offer free shredding services, often at local government-run locations. These city centers typically partner with certified shredding companies to help ensure secure document destruction in line with best practices. This is a great option if you have a large stack of personal paperwork. These centers often accept bulk shredding, but it’s good to call and confirm. Bulk shredding is typically only offered to individuals — local businesses with a larger volume of documents to shred are often referred to other solutions instead.
These city-run services are often free, but that’s not all! They also contribute to your community’s sustainability efforts by creating shredded paper to recycle. These services are especially common during tax season or when spring cleaning begins, so keep an eye on your local government’s online calendar for updates.
Community Shredding Days
Throughout the year, many neighborhoods host community shredding events. These events are often organized by nonprofit organizations, community groups, and even networking associations. They’ll work to promote secure document disposal by using professional shredding services. These events are usually held in central locations like public parks, recreation centers, and local event venues.
If you prefer, you can simply drive up and drop off your papers (though we always recommend sticking around to watch the shredding of your documents for security’s sake). Community shredding events are perfect for individuals with moderate amounts of documents to shred, and they often provide the peace of mind that comes with knowing your sensitive information is being handled by professionals.
Company-sponsored Shredding Events
Another excellent way to shred papers for free is to take advantage of company-sponsored shredding events. Banks, credit unions, insurance agencies, and even office supply stores frequently sponsor these events to drum up more business or give back to the community. They typically set up large mobile shredding trucks in parking lots, where participants can bring their documents for onsite destruction. Company-sponsored shredding events are often held in accessible locations like shopping centers or office parks. This helps make them more convenient for busy individuals who have a small to moderate amount of documents to shred.
Why Companies Hold Free Shredding Events
Why would companies offer these services for free? There are several reasons. Hosting free shredding events shows clients and the community that businesses care about security and the environment. This boosts their public image and shows they are responsible, eco-friendly corporate citizens. These events can also serve as marketing opportunities. They attract potential customers who may use the shredding service — these people often leave the event with a positive view of the company.
Sponsor or Host Your Own Shredding Event
Hosting a shredding event can help to create a great sense of community. Any neighborhood can benefit greatly from gaining access to this kind of resource. However, before you book a local provider and start getting the word out about your free shredding event there are a few things to consider first. Here are few logistical things to consider when you’re arranging a shredding event for your community:
Who Is the Main Sponsor?
There’s a big difference between an event sponsored by your business versus one put on by your town’s little league team for fundraising. A business typically has more means at their disposal to reach out to the public and create buzz around your event. A local sports team or nonprofit group may have the desire, but there’s only so many boxes of paper that family, friends, and team members have to shred — and they probably don’t have an advertising budget to promote it.
What Are the Economics of the Event?
Whether you’re a business or local community group, consider the cost behind sponsoring a shredding event like this. Are you going to put forth the resources so it’s free to participants? Are you going to require people and businesses to pay a small fee to use the shredding service? Perhaps you can offer your services to another group, and in return they can sponsor the event.
What Else Am I Forgetting?
An event of any kind is going to come with a variety of logistical challenges, but this is especially true of a community shredding event. Just the security aspect alone should make you cautious and particularly considerate in your planning process. Ask yourself these questions to get started:
- When can I, and when should I, hold this event?
- How will I market this event to the community?
- What kind of attendance should I plan for?
- When should I contact local media outlets to let them know about my event?
- Should I have volunteers, or should I ask the shredding company to provide the manpower?
- How long should the event be?
- Is there anyone I can reach out to about this? Could my shredding provider offer some insight here?
Need to Shred Your Documents? Shred Nations Can Help!
Whether you’re looking to shred your business’ or family’s sensitive paperwork, or you want to organize a shredding event in your community, Shred Nations can help you make it happen! By using our services to connect you with a secure, reliable local shredding provider, you can give back to your local community and minimize your risk of hacked accounts, stolen banking information, and identity theft. Plus, if you put together a community shredding event, you also give your neighbors the opportunity to do the same for themselves! To host a shredding event or simply find a shredding service for your documents, Shred Nations will make it easy for you. Fill out our form or give us a call at (800) 747-3365 to get started today!
