Shredding your documents is a 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 Shred pre-approved credit card offers, tax records, employment records, old bills, out-of-date account statements and other personal documents that include confidential information.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. 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 Charlotte and surrounding areas.
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
Waxhaw Shred Day: The Town of Waxhaw announced that they’d be holding a free shred day on Saturday, April 10th, 2021, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Waxhaw Police Department, 3620 Providence Road South, Waxhaw.
Shred Day in Gastonia: Keep Gastonia Beautiful, Inc., and Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont are holding a Shred Day at the Gastonia Farmers Market, 410 E Long Avenue, Gastonia, on Saturday, April 24th, 2021, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Shredding Guidelines: Limit of 3 cardboard banker boxes per vehicle.
Please use cardboard boxes, paper bags or plastic container to reuse. No plastic bags or already shredded materials. Please only bring sensitive materials. FREE Electronic Recycling. Goodwill Recycling will handle all data destruction. Accepting any electronics, any brand, any condition. Tube TV’s will NOT be accepted.
Document Shred Event in Kannapolis: This one is for Kannapolis residents only. The shred event takes place Saturday, April 24th, 2021, 10 a.m. to 12 pm., at Kannapolis Village Park. Document shredding is limited to five file boxes per person, which is the equivalent of two 40-gallon trash bags. No businesses please.
Mecklenburg County: Mecklenburg County is holding FREE shredding events the third Saturday in March, April, May and June of 2021, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., or until trucks are full. Those dates are March 20th, April 17th, May 15th, and June 19th, 2021. They take place at Compost Central Full-Service Drop-Off Center, at 140 Valleydale Road. Learn more about Mecklenburg County’s solid waste services.
Stallings Shred-It Day: The Town of Stallings is holding a FREE Shred-It Day on Saturday, April 24th, 2021, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., at Stallings Municipal Park, 315 Stallings Road, Matthews.
Free Shred Day in Matthews: The Town of Matthews and Record Storage Systems are hosting a FREE document shredding event to help residents and businesses safely and securely dispose of unwanted documents. Drop-off will be in the parking lot behind First Baptist Matthews. Simply place your boxes or bags of paper in the trunk of your car, remain in your vehicle, pop the trunk and our staff will unload your items for you. Quick, easy, contactless service – and you’ll be on your way! Limitations – no more than 4 bankers boxes. Saturday, April 24th, 2021, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., at First Baptist Matthews, 185 S Trade Street, Matthews.
Ballantyne Earth Day Celebration: Includes free shredding, as well as free drop-off of old medicine. There will also be free seedlings. Thursday, April 22nd, 2021, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Brixham Green Three Building Parking Lot, 15801 Brixham Hill Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28277.
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 it's also possible that we can make a mistake. In addition, we can not guarantee that all events adhere to the safety measures that are necessary at this time, so we encourage you to ask any questions of the organizer, to make your best decision, and to stay safe.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
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