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 Shred pre-approved credit card offers, tax records, employment records, old bills, out-of-date account statements and other personal documents that include confidential information.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. Learn about home paper shredders, or jump to our day by day list of upcoming shredding events.
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.
Free paper shredding events around Charlotte
Mecklenburg County Solid Waste
Free paper shredding is offered by Mecklenburg County Solid Waste on the following dates in 2025: March 15, April 26, May 17, June 21, October 18, and November 15. Registration is required and opens the first day of the month of the event. The shredding takes place at Compost Central Disposal and Recycling Center, 140 Valleydale Road, Charlotte, North Carolina, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
It’s for residential customers only, for up to 3 banker boxes of materials for secure shredding.
Office Depot / Office Max
Office Depot and Office Max occasionally offer free shredding. Check back soon for more.
Indian Trail
The Town of Indian Trail’s May 10th Shred Day has passed. Check back soon for more.
Stallings
The Town of Stallings’ May 8th shredding day as passed. Check back soon for more.
City of Kannapolis
The City of Kannapolis’ April 12th shredding day has passed. Look for future events with the The City of Kannapolis
Gastonia
Gastonia’s April 5th shred day has passed. Follow Keep Gastonia Beautiful on Facebook for future announcements.
Matthews
The Town of Matthews’ April 26th shred day has passed. Follow Record Storage Systems on Facebook for future announcements.
Belmont
Check back soon for shredding events from Keep Belmont Beautiful.
York County, SC
Check back soon to see about shredding events with York County, SC.
Mooresville
Check back soon to see about shred events with Mooresville Police Department.
Cramerton
Check back soon.
Shred 360 Events
Check back soon for Shred 360 events.
Huntersville
Check back soon.
Weddington
Check back soon.
Ballantyne
Check back soon.
Concord
Check back soon.
Davidson
Check back soon.
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.
Mount Pleasant
We will update when we learn about future shred events in Mount Pleasant, NC.
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.
Day by Day List of Free Shredding Events
Check out a few upcoming shredding events here:
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