Your local options for document shredding

You can shred documents at a UPS Store, FedEx Office, your bank, your employer, or a dedicated shredding company in your area. The fastest route depends on what you're shredding and how much of it there is. Most places charge by the pound or offer a flat rate for a small box, though some banks and employers shred for free if you're a customer or employee.

If you have only a few pages, a home shredder works fine and costs between $20 and $100 upfront. If you have a large pile of old tax returns, medical records, or financial statements, dropping them off at a shredding service is usually cheaper than buying a machine you'll use once.

Key Takeaways

  • UPS Store and FedEx Office locations accept document shredding at most branches, though prices and availability vary by location.
  • Your bank or credit union often shreds documents for free during business hours if you have an account with them.
  • Local shredding companies and mobile shredding trucks charge by weight or volume and handle large quantities faster than retail locations.
  • A personal shredder costs $20 to $100 and works for ongoing small batches, but is not practical for large one-time jobs.
  • Call ahead before you go, because not every location offers shredding and prices differ significantly between branches.

UPS Store and FedEx Office locations

Both UPS Store and FedEx Office accept document shredding at most locations, though not every branch offers the service. You can walk in with a bag of papers and they will shred them on-site or send them to a shredding facility. Pricing is usually $1 to $2 per pound, or a flat rate of $5 to $15 for a small box.

Before you go, call the specific location nearest you. Some stores have stopped offering shredding, and prices vary between franchises. Ask whether they shred on-site (faster, you watch it happen) or send it out (takes a few days but may be cheaper for large volumes).

Banks and credit unions

Most banks and credit unions shred documents for free during business hours if you have an account. Some do it while you wait; others collect papers and shred them later. Call your branch and ask whether they offer the service and what documents they accept — most will shred bank statements, old checks, and loan paperwork, but some refuse anything with sensitive information from other institutions.

This is the cheapest option if you have a banking relationship with them. Bring your documents in a bag or box, and ask the teller or customer service desk. No appointment is usually needed for small batches.

Employers and workplaces

Many employers have on-site shredding services for employees. Ask your HR department or office manager whether you can use it for personal documents. Some companies allow it; others restrict it to business papers only. If your workplace has a shredding bin, ask whether you can add your own documents or whether it's for company use only.

This is free if your employer allows it, and it's worth asking even if you think the answer is no — many companies have shredders and are fine with employees using them during breaks.

Local shredding companies and mobile services

Dedicated shredding companies handle large volumes and often come to your home or office. Search online for "document shredding near me" or "mobile shredding [your city]" to find local options. Prices typically range from $30 to $100 for a standard box or bag, and companies often charge less per pound if you have multiple boxes.

Many shredding companies offer a one-time pickup service — they come to your house, take the documents, and shred them off-site. This is the best option if you have a large pile of old files, medical records, or financial paperwork. Ask whether they provide a certificate of destruction, which proves the documents were shredded — some employers and financial institutions require this.

Home shredders for small ongoing jobs

If you regularly receive documents with personal information and want to shred them at home, a personal shredder costs $20 to $100. Cross-cut shredders (which cut paper into small pieces) are more secure than strip-cut models and are worth the extra cost if you're shredding financial or medical records. Most home shredders handle 5 to 20 sheets at a time and need a few minutes to cool down between uses.

Home shredders work well for ongoing small batches — a few pages a week from bills or statements. They are not practical for a one-time large job because they are slow and can overheat. If you have a box of old tax returns or medical files, a shredding service is faster and cheaper than running a home shredder for hours.

What documents you should shred

Shred anything with your name, address, phone number, Social Security number, account numbers, or medical information. This includes old bank statements, credit card offers, medical bills, tax returns, insurance documents, and loan paperwork. Shred old checks and pay stubs. Shred expired credit cards and driver's licenses.

You do not need to shred junk mail with just your name and address, though some people do for privacy. You do not need to shred newspapers or magazines. If you're unsure whether something needs shredding, the rule is simple: if it has a number or personal detail you would not want a stranger to see, shred it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to shred documents?

UPS Store and FedEx Office charge $1 to $2 per pound or $5 to $15 for a small box. Local shredding companies charge $30 to $100 for a standard box. Banks and employers often shred for free. A home shredder costs $20 to $100 upfront with no per-use cost.

Can I shred documents with staples and paper clips still attached?

Most shredding services remove staples and clips for you, but ask first. If you're using a home shredder, remove them — they can jam the machine. For UPS Store and FedEx Office, ask the staff; some remove them and some ask you to do it beforehand.

Do I need a certificate of destruction?

A certificate of destruction is a document proving your papers were shredded. You need one if your employer, bank, or accountant requires proof. Ask the shredding company whether they provide it — most do for a small fee or at no extra cost. Home shredders do not provide certificates.

How long does it take to shred a large pile of documents?

A mobile shredding company can shred a box or two in minutes. UPS Store and FedEx Office take a few minutes to an hour depending on volume. If they send it to a facility, it takes a few days. A home shredder takes hours for a large pile and can overheat, so it is not practical for one-time jobs.

What if I have a very large amount to shred?

Call a local shredding company and describe the volume — they often give discounts for multiple boxes or bags. Mobile shredding services are designed for large jobs and can pick up from your home. Ask about pricing per pound or per box to compare costs.