3 Budget-Friendly Ways To Shred Old Paperwork Safely
- Tara M Stewart
- Jul 7
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 8
Let’s be honest: the weight of old paperwork isn’t just physical—it’s mental too. Whether it’s years of tax returns, decades of business files, or a mountain of mysterious manila folders labeled “IMPORTANT!!” from 1999, the emotional clutter can feel just as heavy as the boxes themselves.
We’ve helped so many of our local clients tackle decades of paperwork using a variety of shredding services, and we wanted to share the best options we’ve used—so you can choose what works best for you.
When you're finally ready to tackle those overstuffed filing cabinets, you’ll have secure, budget friendly ways to say goodbye to your paper pile. Depending on your timeline, how much you need to shred, and your budget, here are three simple options for safely disposing of important documents:
1. FREE Shred Events
(a.k.a. The Budget-Friendly Cleanout)
Who doesn’t love free?! A couple of times a year, companies like Shred-it partner with local governments to host community shred events—typically open to area residents.
If you’re not in a rush and only have a few bags or boxes, these events are a fantastic, wallet-friendly way to clear the paper clutter.
In Lexington (Fayette County):
Residents can bring up to five boxes or bags of paper (junk mail, documents, etc.)
Pre-shredded paper is accepted (a huge plus—Lexington doesn’t allow it in the blue curbside bin!)
Items are shredded on-site and recycled into low-grade paper products like tissue
Important Tips:
No wet paper, binders, or plastic sleeves
Staples, paper clips, and envelopes are fine
Use cardboard boxes or paper bags you don’t need back
Stay in your car—staff will unload your trunk for you!
Click HERE for the next lexington Shred-it Event. Not in Lexington, Kentucky? Check here to search for local community Shred-it events.
BONUS: Check with Your Bank
(A Hidden Gem for Secure, Free Shredding)
Here’s a little-known bonus option: some banks host free document shredding events or offer shredding as a perk to account holders (especially for premium or business accounts).
It’s worth calling your local bank to ask about:
Upcoming Shred Days
Year-round shredding services for account holders
Limits on how much you can bring
Don’t overlook this option—it could save you time and money!
2. Pay by the Tote or Schedule a Pick-Up with Shred-it
(Best for Bigger Cleanouts)
If you’ve got a LOT of paper—think entire filing cabinets, decades of business records, or just a “how did I let it get this bad?” situation—Shred-it offers two great options:
Option A: Schedule a Pick-Up (They Come to You!)
Shred-it will:
Deliver secure totes to your home or business ahead of time, or
Transfer papers directly from your storage boxes or file drawers on the day of service
Perfect if:
You’ve got mountains of paperwork
You’d rather not load it all into your car
You’re managing a business or estate cleanout
We once helped a client who sold her business after 20 years—the photo from that job was just part of what needed shredding. This full-service option made it seamless.
Option B: Drop-Off at Your Local Shred-it
If you’d rather handle the delivery yourself, or have a more manageable amount, this is a cost-effective and convenient option.
You can:
Prepay for 96-gallon totes (holds about 10–12 standard letter-size boxes)
Load up your vehicle at your own pace
Drop everything off and let the Shred-it team do the rest
Cost: ~$75 per 96-gallon tote
Lexington location: 1700 Fortune Court | M–F | 9:00am–3:00pm
Click here to find a drop off location near you
Pro tip: I brought everything in reusable bags—I popped the van trunk, they emptied the bags into the tote and handed the bags back. It was fast, easy, and oddly satisfying.
3. Pay by the Pound: Staples, FedEx, or UPS
(Best for Smaller Amounts)
If you’re only getting rid of a small stash, head to your local Staples, FedEx Office, or UPS Store. All three offer secure shredding with locked bins provided by Iron Mountain.
I’ve personally taken papers to both FedEx and UPS with great experiences. At FedEx, they had me watch while they placed the documents in the bin and asked for a thumbs-up to the camera.
You can bring papers in reusable totes or bags—but keep in mind that you may not be allowed to leave until the papers are securely dumped into the bin in your presence.
Pricing:
As of Summer 2025, all three locations in Lexington were charging $1.49 per pound, but I always recommend calling your local store to confirm.
Learn More:
I’ve never had to make an appointment, but it’s a good idea to call ahead—just in case.
Final Thoughts
Decluttering your paper files doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re dropping off a few pounds at the UPS Store, scheduling a truckload pick-up, or taking advantage of a free community event, there’s a secure, sustainable option for every situation and budget.
And remember: letting go of old documents is more than a chore—it’s a chance to lighten your load (physically and mentally).
Once you’ve tackled that big initial paper purge, consider investing in a small home shredder to help you stay on top of things moving forward. Getting into the habit of shredding old bills, junk mail, or sensitive paperwork as it comes in can be a game-changer for maintaining a clutter-free household.
Little daily habits = long-term peace of mind.
Ready to Tackle More Than Just Papers?
If you're ready to take the next step toward responsibly letting go of the things you no longer need, head to our Resources page to download our free PDF guide. It’s packed with nationwide charities and organizations that can help you sell, repurpose, or recycle unique items—from art supplies to wedding dresses and everything in between.
We love helping families clear out their spaces in ways that are thoughtful, sustainable, and kind to the planet. If you’d like hands-on help making it happen in your own home, we’d love to work with you—just click here to get started!
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