Kowalski’s, Shred Right, and Great River Greening are teaming up this spring to host community shredding events, helping you safely shred and recycle paper waste to help support a greener Minnesota.

How to participate:

  • Make a $10 donation to Great River Greening and get a free bag of paper shredding!

  • Starting March 31, you can make a donation in-store at any Kowalski's Market location, and you'll receive a sticker for a free bag of shredding.

  • You can also donate online (link below) and purchase a shredding voucher.

  • Once you have your voucher or sticker, simply drop off your paper bag for shredding at any of the listed drop-off sites.

  • Safely shred and recycle your paper waste while supporting a greener Minnesota.

  • Limit one bag per shredding sticker or voucher.

  • Your documents will be shredded on-site and hauled off-site for recycling.

  • Since home shredding is not recyclable through your residential recycling program, you’ll turn your shredding into post-consumer products like cereal boxes, napkins, and toilet paper.

All donations benefit Great River Greening’s efforts to restore Minnesota’s outdoors—planting trees, supporting pollinators, and improving water quality.

Drop-off Locations and Dates:

Drive-up Shred Truck (outdoor) Events 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

April 22 – Edina Market

April 24 – Eden Prairie Market

April 25 – Grand Avenue Market

April 26 – Shoreview Market

April 28 – Woodbury Market

May 1 – White Bear Lake Market

May 2 – Oak Park Heights Market

In-Store Drop-Off (during regular business hours)

April 22-29 – Excelsior, Lyndale, Parkview, and Uptown Markets

What items can go in your Shred Bag?

Paper Clips and Staples are OKAY.

NO Batteries, 3-Ring Binders, Binder Clips, Hanging File Folders, or Plastics.

  • Financial Statements

  • Medical Records

  • Bank Records

  • Payroll Information

  • Cancelled Checks

  • Addressed Mail

  • Investment Data

  • Credit Card Statements

  • School Records

Additional FAQs:

Will Great River Greening receive 100% of all the donations? 

  • Yes! We truly appreciate your generous support. A special thank you to Kowalski’s Markets and Shred Right, two family-owned businesses that prioritize sustainability in their business practices.  Through their generous support, they are helping us, alongside thousands of volunteers each year, build healthy-climate-resilient ecosystems across Minnesota.

What if I have a lot of documents needed shredding? 

  • No problem!  Kowalski’s Markets will also make available a $25 per box donation option for larger shredding needs.

What if I need additional stickers/vouchers when I get to a drive-up mobile truck event? 

  • Not an issue!  If you need more stickers or vouches, a Great River Greening staff member will assist, and you can make an additional $10/bag or $25/box donation.

What do I do with my sticker or voucher?

  • If you purchased a sticker in-store, simply attach it to your paper bag or box. If you purchased a voucher online, be sure to have it ready to show at the drop-off site or location.

hat if I can’t attend one of the Kowalski’s shredding events?  

  • Yes!  Shred Right will accept your shredding stickers or vouchers from this spring cleanup program at one of the their upcoming Saturday Drop-off options at their headquarters: 6301 West Old Shakopee Rd, Suite A, Bloomington, MN 55438

What containers can I bring my private documents in? 

  • You can bring documents in paper bags (like Kowalski’s grocery bags or other paper bags). No plastic bags, please. You may also use cardboard boxes.

What if I have additional shredding-relating questions? 

  • You can reach out to Shred Right directly at 651-621-1862 for any shredding-related inquiries.

What if I have a question for Great River Greening?