Shredding your documents is one way to protect yourself from identity theft and other forms of fraud. Shred pre-approved credit card offers, tax records, employment records, old bills, out-of-date account statements and other personal documents that include confidential information.
Several organizations regularly hold free paper shredding events in Charlotte and surrounding communities. The events often happen in April and November, but can take place at any time.
We will be regularly updating this page with free paper shredding events in the Charlotte region.
If you know of one that should be listed, please let us know at info@charlotteonthecheap.com and we will add it, time permitting. Read on for a little bit of information about buying your own shredder, and then a list of upcoming shredding events.
Buying a Shredder
Thinking of buying your own shredder? There are several kinds of paper shredders, and it’s important to know the differences between them, so that you can make the best choice for your privacy and security.
Strip-cut shredder: These cut papers into long strips. A standard size paper is typically cut into about 39 strips. They’re fine for shredding junk mail, but are not great for confidential materials, because the strips might still contain readable information. Also known as ribbon-cut, spaghetti-cut, or straight-cut shredders.
Cross-cut shredder: These cut paper diagonally from both directions. A standard size paper is typically cut into 400 pieces, offering more security than a strip-cut shredder. Cross-cut shredders are the most popular kind of shredders. Also known as a confetti-cut shredder.
Micro-cut shredder: These are the most secure, but are generally slower and more expensive than cross-cut or strip-cut shredders. They cut a standard size paper into 2,000 particles, making it impossible to read any data from the document.
Other features to consider:
- Auto-feed shredder: Load a large quantity of paper at one time, so you don’t have to feed paper one sheet at a time.
- CD shredding: Some shredders have a slot for shredding CDs, DVDs and credit cards.
- Continuous duty paper shredders: Most shredders can shred for a certain amount of time (15-30 minutes) before needing time to cool down. Make sure to check for that in the specifications. A continuous duty shredder doesn’t need a cool down break.
- Waste baskets. Most shredders come with a wastebasket. A pull-out waste basket is more convenient than the lift-off head. You can also put shredder bags inside the bin to make emptying easier.
Comparison of paper shredders
Free paper shredding events around Charlotte
Mecklenburg County Solid Waste
Free paper shredding is frequently offered by Mecklenburg County Solid Waste. The events are held the 3rd Saturday of the month in March, April, May, June, September, October and November. You need to reserve a time slot between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. More info on the events here.
Shred360 event in Fort Mill
Shred360 is hosting a free shred event on March 28th, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the Cabela’s parking lot, 1000 Cabelas Drive, Fort Mill, South Carolina.
In an effort to shred your sensitive documents in a timely manner, attendees are limited to (3) three boxes (copy paper box or smaller) or three bags (kitchen trash bag or smaller) per vehicle. There is no need to remove binders, binder clips, paper clips, staples, rubber bands, or CDs/DVDs prior to shredding.
Gastonia
The City of Gastonia is holding a Shred Day on Saturday, April 29th, 2023. The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. (or until the truck is full) at the Gastonia Farmers’ Market, 410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia. Goodwill will be collecting electronics to be recycled. In addition you can bring out-of-date and no-longer-needed medications – opioids, other pills, fluids, and ointment, which will be properly disposed of. More info.
Indian Trail
The Town of Indian Trail is holding a Shred Day on Saturday, May 6th, 2023, at Crossing Paths Park, 120 Blythe Drive, Indian Trail. Time TBD. Shredding limited to 5 boxes per household, including paper, folders and hanging file folders.
City of Kannapolis
The Spring Shred Event will take place on Saturday, April 29th, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., at City Hall, 401 Laureate Way, Kannapolis, NC. Shred events will be announced on kannapolisnc.gov.
Concord
Check back soon. The next shred event will be announced on concordnc.gov.
Davidson
Check back soon. The next shred event will be announced on townofdavidson.org.
Rock Hill, SC
We will update when we learn about future shred events in Rock Hill.
Mint Hill
We will update when we learn about future shred events in Mint Hill.
Cornelius
We will update when learn about future shred events in Cornelius.
Ballantyne
We will update when we learn about future shred events in Ballantyne.
Stallings
We will update when we learn about future shred events in Concord.
Mount Pleasant
We will update when we learn about future shred events in Mount Pleasant, NC.
Matthews
We will update when we learn about future shred events in Matthews.
Mooresville
We will update when we learn about future shred events in Mooresville.
Discount Shredding at Office Max and Office Depot
Office Max and Office Depot are offering $10 off one time shredding service for 1-3 boxes (through March 4th, 2023), and 20% off one time shredding service for 4 or more (through March 18th, 2023.) You’ll need the coupon on this page.
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Charlotte on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and we are not always notified. It's also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
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Upcoming Events in the Charlotte area
Check out our full events calendar, where you can enter any date, or look at the events for the next few days here:Thursday, March 23, 2023
Friday, March 24, 2023
Saturday, March 25, 2023
Crossing Paths Park, Indian Trail
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