Document Shredding Events

2024 Document Shredding Event

Did you know it takes about 24 trees to create one ton of virgin office paper (200,000 sheets), while emitting approximately 1 MT C02e of greenhouse gases during production? Zero Waste Palo Alto encourages residents to file confidential and personal paperwork electronically to prevent paper waste. 

We understand residents require a safe alternative to destroy confidential paperwork and documents. A free Document Shredding Event for Palo Alto residents only is being hosted by the City.

  • Proof of residency is required (ID, driver’s License, or Utility Bill)
  • A maximum of 3 banker-size boxes (12”x10”x15”) or 3 brown paper bags of equivalent size per vehicle only
  • Any type of metal products, such as binders, binder clips, electronics, CD’s, etc. will not be accepted
  • Review the “Requirements” section below for more details before the event

Please only use this service for confidential or personal documents. Recycle all other documents in your blue recycle cart and reduce your paper clutter by electronically filing your documents.

What should I shred?

If you answer YES to any of these questions, then SHRED the document:

  • Does it have any personally confidential information?
  • Does it contain information protected by privacy laws?
  • Does it violate any privacy laws?
  • Does it share any confidential corporate information?
  • Does the document list any financial information?

Requirements

  • Residents may bring a maximum of 3 banker-size boxes or 3 brown paper bags of confidential/personal paper documents to shred. A banker’s box measurement is approximately 12” x 10” x 15”
  • Sift through your documents before arrival at the shredding event to ensure you have documents only
  • Remove documents from binders and binder clips (these can damage the shredding equipment); however, paperclips, staples and rubber bands are acceptable
  • Unacceptable items* include (but not limited to): batteries, matches, electronics, metal, cardboard, binders, binder clips, x-rays, CD’s, DVD’s, plastic sleeves, e-waste, pens, etc. No garbage or non-paper items!
  • All documents will be shredded immediately on-site, during the event
  • Recycle all non-confidential documents and paper curbside in your recycling cart

*IMPORTANT: These items can cause the shredding truck to catch on fire

Alternative Shredding Sites

Business/Organization

Hours

The UPS Store #4562
Phone: (650) 327-7147
Email: store4562@theupsstore.com
2625 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto

M-F: 8:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Sat: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The UPS Store #6105
Phone: (650) 391-9842
Email: store6105@theupsstore.com
855 El Camino Real, STE 13A, Palo Alto

M-F: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sat: 10 AM- 6:00 PM

The UPS Store #969
Phone: (650) 326-5555
Email: store0969@theupsstore.com
555 Bryant St, Palo Alto

M-F: 8:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Sat: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The UPS Store #865
Phone: (650) 326-4415
Email: store0865@theupsstore.com
405 El Camino Real, Menlo Park

M-F: 8:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Sat: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM

The UPS Store #2847
Phone: (650) 948-0111
Email: store2847@theupsstore.com
530 Showers Dr, STE 7, Mountain View

M-F: 8:30 AM - 7:00PM
Sat: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Fedex Office Print & Ship Center
Phone: (650) 964-4701
1935 W El Camino Real, Mountain View

M,T,TH,F: 8:00 AM - 8:00PM
WED : 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
SAT: 10 AM - 6 PM

Office Depot
Phone: (650) 964-8249
910 El Monte Ave., Mountain View

M-F: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
SAT: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
SUN: 10:00 AM 7:00 PM

***Please note that these sites charge by the pound. Please reach out to the sites prior to visiting to inquire about their rates and shredding capacity***

Other Resources

When should I shred it? A Federal Trade Commission Guide