There are plenty of frequently asked shredding questions, so we compiled a list of information to help answer your common questions. Click on any of the links below for additional information.
If you want to speak to someone in person, give us a call at (800) 747-3365, send us an email at info@shrednations.com, or just fill out the form to this page.
You can also visit our resource center for more information.
How can I get a quote for shredding services?
To obtain a quote, give us a call or fill out our online form with details about your shredding needs.
Where are you located?
Our home office is located in Lakewood, CO, but we service customers across North America.
How do I schedule shredding services through Shred Nations?
Contact us at (800) 747-3365 or fill out our form and we will help you find service providers in your area who are capable of handling your specific job size and type. We will connect you with our local partners and they will provide free, no-obligation quotes. When you choose your provider you will schedule the service with them.
How do you figure out how much paper you have to shred?
You can use our shredding calculator to find out how much paper you have.
How much does it cost to shred my documents?
The cost to shred your documents with a service varies depending on few factors including location, service type, volume, and more. Learn more about what to expect when pricing a shredding project.
Are paper shreds recycled?
Large bales of paper shreds from industrial shredders are recycled.
How much lead-time do you need to schedule service?
This will depend on several factors including your distance from the service provider, the size of your job, the type of service you require and more.
Can I just rent or buy a shredder?
Purchasing your own shredder is an option, but depending on your needs it can be costly and time consuming. Learn more about shredding services vs. purchasing your own shredder.
I don’t need someone to come to me. Can I drop my documents off to be shredded at your location?
Designated drop off centers exist across the country, but they are usually only economical for smaller shredding projects. Give us a call at (800) 747-3365 or use our zipcode search tool to find a drop off shredding center near you where you can pay by weight to have your documents shredded. Shredding locations have certain quantity and weight requirements; learn more about the limitations.
What’s the difference between a cross-cut shredder and a strip-cut shredder?
There are several differences between a cross-cut and a strip-cut shredder, the main difference being shred size. Learn more about the differences between cross-cut shredding and strip-cut shredding.
What is Mobile Shredding?
Mobile shredding service sends a shred truck to your location to shred your documents onsite while you watch. Learn more about mobile shredding.
What is Off Site Paper Shredding?
Off site shredding services send a large truck to your location to pick up your documents and safely haul them to a secure offsite facility for shredding. Learn more about offsite shredding.
What is Witnessed Shredding?
Witnessed shredding is a service option that allows you to watch as your documents are shredding for extra security. How can I get witnessed shredding service?
What is Purge Shredding?
Purge shredding is typically an annual shred project that requires a heavy duty shredder and usually takes care of dozens to hundreds or even thousands of pounds of expired documents at once. Schedule purge shredding service.
What is a "Certificate of Destruction", and when do I receive it?
A certificate of destruction is provided by some service providers as a certified acknowledgement that your shredding was completed in a safe, timely manner. Learn more about certificates of destruction.
What is HIPAA?
HIPAA is a security law affecting the document management processes in the medical industry. Learn more about HIPAA.
What is FACTA?
FACTA is a security law affecting the document management processes of companies across industries. Learn more about FACTA.
What is FERPA?
FERPA is a security law affecting the document management processes in education. Learn more about FERPA.
What is GLBA?
GLBA is a security law affecting the document management processes in finance. Learn more about GLBA.
Is the shredding free for drop off shredding?
No, the shredding is not free. Industry average for drop off is about $1.00 per pound.
Do I need to remove staples and paper clips?
No, the industrial shredder will go through flexible/bendable metal such as staples and paper clips.
How can I be guaranteed that no one will look at my personal information?
There is no guarantee. If you would like a guarantee that no one will look at your personal information, we recommend a mobile shredding service.
For drop off shredding, do I have to feed my paper through a slot?
Generally, yes. Stores have locked bins and you place your documents through a slot for security purposes. We recommend contacting the location to understand their process.
For drop off shredding, is the bin locked?
Generally, yes. Each store has their own security policy. We recommend contacting the store directly and having them walk you through their security policy.
For drop off shredding, how often is the bin emptied?
It depends on the volume of shredding that the individual store receives. It can be weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or bi-monthly (or some iteration thereof).
For drop off shredding, what day does the shredder come? Can I meet up with them to witness my shredding?
Generally no. Some locations may allow this but you would have to arrange that with the individual store.
For drop off shredding, do they take hard drives?
Drop off locations do not accept hard drives.
For drop off shredding, what are the hours?
Check our website directory for store hours of operation for a nearby location. In addition, you may want to confirm with the individual store to be safe.
For drop off shredding, do they shred on site?
Generally yes. The shredding is done on site by a mobile shredding truck at a set interval.
For drop off shredding, who will weigh my documents and help me get my documents in the shredding bin?
Usually, one of the trained clerks at the drop off locations where you drop off and pay to have your documents destroyed.
For drop off shredding, how much time can I expect drop off shredding to take?
It depends on how much shredding you have. It should not take more than 10 minutes per box on average. The process that takes the longest is depositing the documents into the shredding bin.
For drop off shredding, do I get a certificate of destruction?
You do not get a certificate of destruction. Since your documents are placed in a locked bin and picked up by a shredding service provider later, the drop off location cannot provide them until the documents are shredded. If you need a certificate of destruction, you should consider a mobile shredding service.
Do I need an appointment for drop off shredding?
Generally, you do not need an appointment though it is always a good idea to call the location directly to see if they prefer that you set an appointment.
For drop off shredding, how much does drop off shredding cost?
Typically, it is around $1.00 per pound but it varies by location. To calculate, a Banker’s box holds approximately 30 pounds, so about $30 per box to shred. We have a simple shredding calculator that will help calculate how many pounds you have.
How much shredding is ideal for drop off shredding service?
Less than 3 boxes or 90 lbs. If you have more, it is generally more economical to have a mobile or off site shredding service dispose of your documents.
