Shredding Events

Washington County offers free paper shredding events for confidential papers at the Environment Center. Documents will be shredded on-site by Shred Right and recycled. CDs, floppy disks, and other media will be accepted for off-site destruction. These events are free and open to residents and businesses. 

If you plan to attend:

  • Expect long wait times.
  • Follow on-site traffic signage. Line will form from the south.
  • Shredding events are for materials that contain personal or financial information only. Do not mix confidential paper with items that do not require shredding such as newspapers or magazines.

Preparing for drop-off:

  • Limit of 6 boxes weighing no more than 30 lbs each. (Limit will be strictly enforced.)
  • Do not put paper documents in plastic bags; use boxes or paper bags. Totes and reusable bags will be returned.  
  • Staples, paper clips, and rubber bands do not have to be removed. However, 3-ring binders, large binder clips, plastics, or metals must be removed.
  • Do not tape boxes shut as it slows down the process. 
  • Due to the large volume of customers, we are no longer able to offer witnessed destruction.
  • Do not mix confidential paper with items that do not require shredding such as newspapers or magazines. 

2023 Shredding Events at the Environmental Center

All events are from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. The first two hours tend to be the busiest, consider coming later to minimize your wait time or attend a one-day collection event.

  • April 19th
  • May 24th
  • June 21st
  • August 2nd
  • September 27th
  • November 8th

Why can’t I recycle my shredded paper at home?

Once paper is shredded, it is very difficult to recycle. When shredded in bulk and kept out of mixed recycling, paper is much easier to recycle.