Our personal information is everywhere- on old bills, bank statements, medical papers, and mail we no longer need. If these documents aren’t disposed of safely, they can put you at risk for identity theft and fraud. That’s why shredding personal papers is such an important step in protecting your privacy. In honor of Data Privacy Day on January 28, this post shares simple, practical ways to keep your information safe. You’ll find local places that offer low-cost shredding, details on free community shredding events, and easy steps you can take at home if shredding isn’t an option 

 

What Documents Should You Shred? 

• Bank statements 
• Cancelled checks 
• Junk mail (especially credit card offers!) 
• Pictures/IDs 
• Prescription labels on pill bottles 
• Resumes 
• Shipping labels  
• What to Shred via Washington State Office of the Attorney General 

 

 

Low-Cost Shredding 

• Chelsea Senior Center– offers paper shredding by appointment. Cost: $10 per appointment (each appointment lasts for up to two hours). Call (734) 475-9242 for more information. Must check in at the main office prior to appointment.  

• FedEx– offers paper shredding starting at $1.49 per pound. Locations in Ann Arbor.  

• Recycle Ann Arbor Drop Off Station– offers paper shredding by volume. Cost: $6/grocery bag or $8/banker box (limit 10 banker boxes per person per day). Must also pay the gate fee ($3 per day). Note: Credit Card transactions only. No cash or checks. Additional fees may apply due to the amount of shredding. See website for additional information on accepted materials.  
  • Dropoff hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays 8:30am-6:30 pm, Saturdays 9:00am- 6:00pm.  
  • Ypsilanti residents can sign up for a reduced-rate pass by clicking here. Passholders do not have to pay the gate fee.  
  • Passes must be picked up at City Hall (1 S. Huron Street in Ypsilanti) within five business days, or they will be mailed.  

• The UPS Store– charges for shredding per pound. Call your local store for pricing and additional information. Locations in Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Saline, and Ypsilanti.  

 

 

Annual Shredding Events 

• Chelsea State Bank– holds an annual Community Shred Day for Chelsea and Dexter residents (usually in the spring). It usually takes place at their Chelsea and Dexter branch locations. Watch the website or call (734) 475-1355 for more information.  

• Ypsilanti Township– holds 1-2 Free Shred Days (in 2025 these were in June and October). For more information, call the Residential & Environmental Services Department at (734) 544-4000, Ext. 4. Note: these events are only open to township residents, so a driver’s license is required to prove residency.  

 

 

Agencies that have offered shredding in the past 

• Horizons Planning Corporation – hosts free community shred days (usually in April or May). Check their website or call (734) 761-3155 for more information.  

• Ypsilanti District Library– on the past they have had free community shred days, but do ask for donations to help offset the cost of the event. In the past these events were limited to residents of the City of Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti Township, and Superior Township. Call (734) 482-4110 for more information.

• Check your local library and senior center 

 

 

Other Options 

• Destroying sensitive documents 
  • Soak them in water. 
  • Tear them manually (best to do this horizontally and vertically). 
  • Use paper shredding scissors (these cost around $10-$15). 
  • Tear sensitive documents into small pieces, then throw them in a blender. 
• Disposing of sensitive documents 
  • Put pieces of sensitive documents in separate garbage bins. 
  • Mix pieces of sensitive documents with compost or used coffee grounds.