Coon Rapids Opens 2026 With Free Community Paper Shredding Event Focused on Security and Trust

Coon Rapids, Minn
In an era when personal data travels faster than paper can be discarded, the City of Coon Rapids is beginning 2026 with a quiet but meaningful civic service. On Saturday, February 7, the city will host its first bulk paper shredding event of the year, offering residents and small businesses across Anoka County a secure and no cost way to dispose of sensitive documents.

The event will take place from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the Coon Rapids Recycling Center, located at 1827 111th Avenue NW. Participation is free and open to all Anoka County residents and small businesses, reinforcing the city’s long standing emphasis on shared responsibility, environmental stewardship, and personal security.

A Practical Response to Modern Risks

City officials frame the shredding event as more than a seasonal convenience. It is a preventive measure against identity theft and data misuse at a time when paper records still hold financial, medical, and legal value.

Old tax returns, bank statements, medical records, and business documents that may sit forgotten in basements or file cabinets can pose real risks if improperly discarded. By offering professional grade shredding, the city provides a safeguard that exceeds what most home shredders can deliver.

Event Logistics and What to Expect

The shredding service will operate on a first come basis and will run until noon or until the shredding truck reaches capacity, whichever comes first. Residents planning to participate are encouraged to arrive early.

Key logistics include:

• Quantity limit: Up to five boxes per vehicle
• Vehicle loading: Boxes should be placed in the trunk or rear hatch to speed up unloading
• Process: Drivers remain in their vehicles while trained staff and volunteers unload and transfer materials to the shredding truck
• Viewing option: Those who wish to watch their documents being destroyed may pull into a designated viewing area after unloading

The city notes that the mobile shredding truck uses cross cut technology, reducing documents to confetti sized pieces that are significantly more secure than strip cut shredding.

What Can and Cannot Be Shredded

The event is designed to be flexible while maintaining safety and efficiency standards.

Accepted materials include:

• Paper with staples, paper clips, or rubber bands
• Checkbooks and financial documents
• File folders
• Envelopes, including those with plastic windows

Items not accepted at bulk shredding events include:

• Three ring binders
• Credit cards
• CDs or other media

These restrictions allow the shredding process to remain efficient and prevent damage to equipment.

For Those Who Cannot Attend

Residents with smaller quantities of documents or scheduling conflicts still have options. The Coon Rapids Recycling Center offers self service shredding during regular winter hours, Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Self service guidelines include:

• One box per visit
• Users must shred documents themselves
• Staff are unable to assist with the machines

This option provides year round access for document disposal on a smaller scale.

A Pattern of Community Service

The February 7 event is part of a broader calendar of shredding opportunities planned for 2026. According to city information, additional bulk shredding dates are scheduled for May 2, August 1, and November 7, each from 9:00 a.m. to noon.

Together, these events reflect a steady municipal approach to public service, combining environmental responsibility with personal security and accessibility.

More Information

Residents seeking additional details may visit the city’s official paper shredding page or contact the Recycling Center directly at 763 767 6485.

In a time defined by digital vulnerability and growing concern over personal data, Coon Rapids’ shredding program stands as a reminder that small civic actions, handled well, can quietly strengthen public trust and community resilience.

MinneapoliMedia