Free Document Shredding: Where to Shred Papers Near You

Free Community Shred-Day Events

The cheapest option is a free "shred day" — a drive-up event where a shred truck destroys your paper on-site. These are hosted by banks, credit unions, city and county governments, and AARP, usually in spring (April-May) and fall (September-October), and are typically free and open to the public (members and non-members). Expect a per-vehicle limit, commonly about three to five boxes or bags, and events may end early if the truck fills up.

How to Find a Free Shred Event

To find one near you: search "free shred event near me" plus your city and the year; check your local bank's and credit union's websites under community events; visit AARP at local.aarp.org or aarp.org/events and search by location; and check your city or county solid-waste or sheriff/attorney-general pages, which often list events. Local news and community calendars publicize them too. Always confirm the date, time, box limit and whether non-members are welcome on the event page.

Paid Drop-Off Shredding (Nationwide Stores)

For shredding any day of the year, FedEx Office, The UPS Store, Staples and Office Depot/OfficeMax all offer counter drop-off, where your paper is weighed and placed in a locked Iron Mountain bin for secure off-site destruction. FedEx Office posts a national rate of $1.49 per pound. The UPS Store, Staples and Office Depot charge by the pound too, but rates are set per location (commonly around $1 per pound) and aren't published nationally — so confirm with your local store. Office Depot periodically runs a free in-store promo (often up to five pounds) with a coupon.

What You Can and Can't Shred

Accepted: ordinary paper documents — statements, tax forms, canceled checks, bills, legal papers and junk mail. You generally don't need to remove staples, paper clips, rubber bands or small binder clips. Not accepted: three-ring binders, hardcover books, hanging and file folders, laminated sheets, cardboard, plastics, metals and credit cards. Important: these services shred paper only — destroying hard drives, USB drives and CDs is a separate media-destruction service, not a paper-shred bin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there anywhere I can shred documents for free?

Yes — free community "shred day" events hosted by banks, credit unions, city/county governments and AARP, mostly in spring and fall. They're usually free and open to members and non-members, with a per-vehicle limit of about three to five boxes. Office Depot also runs an occasional free in-store promo (often up to five pounds).

Where can I shred documents near me?

For paid, any-day shredding, FedEx Office, The UPS Store, Staples and Office Depot/OfficeMax all take drop-offs, weigh your paper and shred it securely via Iron Mountain. For free, look for a local shred-day event. Paper also feeds the recycling stream once shredded — see our paper & cardboard recycling guide.

How much does shredding cost at UPS or FedEx?

FedEx Office posts a national rate of $1.49 per pound. The UPS Store charges by the pound but sets prices per franchised location (commonly around $1-$1.59/lb), so confirm with your local store. Both weigh your documents at the counter and use a locked Iron Mountain bin. Prices change — verify the current rate.

How do I find a free shredding event near me?

Search "free shred event near me" with your city and year; check local bank and credit-union websites under community events; search AARP at local.aarp.org; and check your city/county solid-waste or attorney-general pages. Confirm the date, box limit and whether non-members are welcome before you go.

What can't be shredded at these services?

No three-ring binders, hardcover books, hanging/file folders, laminated sheets, cardboard, plastics, metals or credit cards — just paper (staples and paper clips are fine). And these are paper-only services: hard drives, USB drives and CDs need separate media destruction.