Know Before You Go: Document Shredding Event April 18th
- director3445
- Apr 17
- 3 min read
(Know Before You Go is a feature of Everything Mahomet where we try to research and tell you the small details you need to know for community events. Feel free to go the Talk to Us page to let us know how we can do even better.)
A free, secure document shredding event is this Saturday at Mahomet Public Library, from 10 a.m. to Noon in the library parking lot. Here is everything you need to know:
Is it really free? It really is, although you will be invited to make a donation to help fund Rotary Club service projects when you drop off your papers. But, thanks to the sponsorship of Fisher National Bank, donations are entirely optional.
Do I need to package my documents in any special way? No. The shredding company will have large containers and you can dump your papers directly into them Rotary Club volunteers will even unload and dump them for you if you like. You can leave papers in file folders, and staples can be shredded right along with the papers. In fact, the following items can be shredded and do not need to be removed:
papers clips,
staples,
alligator clips,
hanging folders,
3-ring binders.
Where and how do we drop off our documents? A shredding truck will be located on the lower level of the library parking lot, located at 1702 E Oak St in Mahomet. There will be volunteers in orange vests directing traffic - please follow their instructions for how to line up. As you approach the truck, Rotarians will talk with you, offer help unloading and collect donations, if any.
All documents are emptied into large trash-type barrels, which are then attached to the truck and shredded right on-site. You can leave your documents in the cardboard box, or take your boxes with you. If you are concerned about security, you are welcome to wait and see your materials get disposed of. Note - the truck is pretty noisy when it is shredding. If you bring kids, you might want to warn them.
Can we drop off materials early? No.
How long does it take? The process is quick, but there may be a line of vehicles waiting to take part. The line moves quickly. Assume no more than about 15 minutes once you arrive.
How much can I bring? Officially, each person is invited to bring approximately three banker's boxes, or the equivalent, of documents. Normally, the sponsors are not too fussy about the exact amount, as long as it is not excessive.
What documents should I keep, and what needs to be shredded? In general, Americans tend to keep way more paper records than they need to. There is an excellent article published by the Federal Trade Commission which gives a great answer to this questions. We recommend following their advice. Find this article at:
Are any of my documents stored? No. Everything is shredded right there, by the shredding truck.
Will the Library be open during the event? Yes. Please be courteous of library patrons trying to get into the parking lot, and allow them to go through if the line ends up onto the street. You are also welcome to do fun library stuff while you are in the area.
This event is an annual partnership between the Rotary Club of Mahomet, the Mahomet Public Library, and Fisher National Bank. The bank funds the costs of the shredding truck as a service to the community, and to help fight fraud and identity theft.