FREE document shredding events in the metro Atlanta area
Shredding your documents is one way to protect yourself from identity theft and other forms of fraud. You can shred pre-approved credit card offers, tax records, employment records, old bills, out-of-date account statements, personal letters, and any document that include confidential information you’d rather not fall in the wrong hands.
Several organizations regularly hold FREE paper shredding events in the metro area. The events often happen in April and November, but can take place at any time. Earth Day (April 22nd) is often a popular time for shredding events.
This is a permanent page — we will regularly update it with shredding events as we learn of them.
PLEASE do not email us to ask where you can find a shredding event near you! ALL the info we have is right here on this page.
Read on for a little bit of information about buying your own shredder, and then a list of upcoming shredding events.
Check out our Complete Guide to Atlanta Fall Festivals & Fairs -- which covers the entire metro area and includes all the fairs and festivals from September thru November.
Buying your own 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 useful features to consider as you shop:
- Auto-feed: Lets you load a large quantity of paper at one time, so you don’t have to feed paper one sheet at a time.
- CD/DVD shredding: Some shredders have a slot for shredding CDs, DVDs, and credit cards.
- Continuous duty feature: 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. Many shredders come with a wastebasket. A pull-out waste basket is more convenient than having to lift off the shredder head.
FREE paper shredding in Atlanta metro area
Please click through the links for more information on each event. You’ll want to make sure you meet any residency requirements and pre-registration requirements, and you’ll need to know which items are accepted and what the limits are.
You’re responsible for verifying each event you want to attend, before you head out the door! The recurring events in particular may change after we publish details.
The events are in chronological order, so you may have to scroll past some that have already happened.
Ongoing, every third Saturday in 2024
9 a.m. to noon
Greenbriar Mall
2841 Greenbriar Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30331
(near the Citi Trends parking lot)
Limit 5 bankers boxes of paper, per City of Atlanta resident.
Also tires and electronics recycling on site.
Verify dates on the Greenbriar calendar
View the flyer
Saturday, September 14, 2024
8 a.m. to noon
Newnan City Hall
25 Lagrange St.
Newnan, GA 30263
Coweta County residents can shred 3 boxes of paper for free, and pay $3 per box after that. Out of county residents can shred for $8 per box.
More info
Saturday, September 21, 2024
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Atlanta Realtors Association
5784 Lake Forrest Dr NW STE 150
Atlanta, GA 30328
More info
Saturday, October 12, 2024
8 a.m. to noon
Norcross Public Works Dept.
345 Lively Ave.
Norcross, GA 30071
Norcross residents only. Paper shredding limited to 5 boxes per resident.
Click thru for info on other materials accepted — including electronics, scrap metal, glass, and hard-to-recycle materials.
More info
Saturday, October 12, 2024
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Powder Springs Police Dept. parking lot
1114 Richard D Sailors Pkwy
Powder Springs, GA 30127
Limit of 10 boxes or kitchen-size trash bags per vehicle.
More info
Saturday, December 7, 2024
8 a.m. to noon
Newnan City Hall
25 Lagrange St.
Newnan, GA 30263
Coweta County residents can shred 3 boxes of paper for free, and pay $3 per box after that. Out of county residents can shred for $8 per box.
More info
You may also be interested in:
- Complete guide to Atlanta spring festivals -- March, April, & May
- Midtown Garden Stroll: Tour gorgeous private gardens for FREE
- 40+ egg hunts, pics with the Easter Bunny, and more
- Atlanta Fair returns to Turner Field this spring
- The Atlanta Dogwood Festival at Piedmont Park
Past offers — we hope to update these soon, so please check back!
ONGOING OFFER in 2023
Multiple locations
The UPS Store is offering FREE shredding for up to 5 lbs of paper, through Dec. 31, 2023.
Just visit this page to find a participating location near you, and print the coupon to take with you. We recommend calling ahead of time, as some locations are asking you to make a shredding appointment.
Find a participating store, print coupon, or get more info
The fine print:
You can only redeem this offer once.
Restrictions may apply.
Note that store hours vary by location. Participation may also vary, as stores are independently owned and operated.
On average you can expect them to be open till 6 or 7 p.m. on week nights, and 3 to 5 p.m. on weekends.
More upcoming events this week:
