Broome County Free Paper Shredding Event July 18

That box of old bills, tax forms, and junk mail sitting in your closet or under your desk is more than clutter. It's a stack of documents with your Social Security number, account numbers, and signatures on them, sitting around waiting for someone to find it. This Saturday, Broome County residents can get rid of all of it for free, without unloading a single box themselves.

When And Where The Broome County Paper Shredding Event Is Happening

The Division of Solid Waste Management is hosting a free shredding event on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at SUNY Broome. Drivers should head to Parking Lot 1, accessible by turning off Lt. Vanwinkle Drive, taking a right onto South College Drive, and following the signs into the lot.

How The Free Drive Up Shredding Process Works For Residents

This is a drive-through service, so there is no need to get out of your car. County staff will come to your vehicle, lift your boxes out for you, feed the documents into industrial shredders on site, and hand your empty boxes back so you can reuse them. The service is limited to household paperwork from local residents. Businesses are not eligible to participate.

Limits On How Much Paper Clutter You Can Bring In Your Car

Each vehicle can bring up to four standard document boxes, about 15 inches long and 10 inches wide, the same size as typical office paper boxes. That's enough room to clear out years of statements, old tax returns, and paperwork you've been meaning to deal with, all in one trip.

What Materials You Can Safely Shred And What To Leave At Home

You don't need to prep your papers beforehand. Staples, paper clips, and sticky notes can all stay on the documents, and paper of any color or size is accepted, along with manila folders, business cards, and envelopes. Leave plastic binders, hanging folders with metal hangers, carbon paper, and film or microfiche at home, since these items can damage the shredding equipment.

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Do You Need A Reservation To Attend This Saturday Recycling Event?

No registration is required. Residents can simply show up during the event window. Those who want to follow updates or spread the word can RSVP on the county's official Facebook event page.