If you’re new to shredding documents, you might have some questions. We’ve compiled some of the most common questions here, along with answers that will help you get started. Read on to learn more about the basics of professional document shredding and what solutions are available to you.
Location and Contact Questions
Where is Shred Nations located?
Shred Nations has an expansive network of shredding providers across North America. From coast-to-coast, we connect you with certified destruction providers near you who focus on security and efficiency. To be contacted by a local contractor, please fill out our quote request form.
Can I drop off at your location?
Yes, if you have a limited amount to shred you can drop it off or use our Ship ‘n’ Shred service for pickup.
How can I reach Shred Nations?
Give us a call at (800) 747-3365, email us at info@shrednations.com or see all the options to follow us.
Cost Questions
How does Shred Nations charge?
The largest factor for considering the cost of shredding is the volume and frequency. Other factors include whether you have the shredding done on site or where the documents are located, like a basement or attic.
Volume Questions
How big is a file box?
A standard file box is 12″ x 10 ” x 15″. It holds about 30 pounds of paper. They are also called bankers boxes, book boxes, copy paper boxes, and small moving boxes.
Service Questions
How much lead time does Shred Nations need to schedule service?
We can usually be at your location within a day or two. Often times we can arrange service the following business day.
Can I rent a paper shredder?
Our shredders chew through 20,000 pounds of paper an hour. An industrial shredder of this size must be operated by trained employees. We guarantee you will save a great deal of money by having us do the shredding for you.
What is on-site paper shredding?
On-site shredding or mobile shredding is when the shredder is built into the truck. Your material is collected and taken down to the truck to be destroyed. The shredding is done in your parking lot or driveway so you may witness the shredding if you choose. On-site shredding should be used if you have negotiable instruments, including stocks, bonds and un-written checks.
What is off-site paper shredding?
Off-site shredding or plant based shredding is where we pick up your material and take it back to our plant in locked bins to be shredded. Off-site shredding is best used your large volume shredding jobs. Witnessing is also available but requires you to go to the plant.
What is a one-time purge service?
Purge service is a bulk clean out of old files and storage areas. It is usually done once a year.
What is witnessed shredding?
Witnessed shredding is when you observe the shredding process. It can be done with a mobile shredder or when you visit a shredding plant. All negotiable instruments should be witnessed.
Can Shred Nations shred computers, uniforms, credit cards, and other non-paper items?
You name it and we can shred it. Just let us know what you need and we will come and get it.
Security Questions
Does Shred Nations offer a certificate of destruction?
Yes, you will receive a certificate of destruction every time we shred for you. This is your proof that your material was properly destroyed.
Does Shred Nations recycle the paper that’s shredded?
Yes, all the shreds are pulped and recycled into new paper.
What types of paper shredders are there?
In addition to the more common strip-cut shredders and cross-cut shredders, there are a number of other shredder types that can be used. See the table below for examples.
| Type of Paper Shredder | Description |
|---|---|
| Strip-Cut Shredders | Cut paper into long vertical strips and provide the lowest level of document security. Best for non-sensitive documents. |
| Cross-Cut Shredders | Shred paper diagonally into small particles for better security than strip-cut shredders. Commonly used for confidential office documents. |
| Micro-Cut Shredders | Create tiny paper particles for high-security shredding of highly sensitive or confidential information. |
| Auto-Feed Shredders | Automatically pull and shred stacks of paper without manual feeding, making them ideal for large shredding jobs. |
| Shredders for CDs, DVDs, and Credit Cards | Designed to destroy paper along with digital media and plastic cards containing sensitive information. |
| Continuous Duty Shredders | Built for extended run times without overheating, making them suitable for frequent office use. |
| Industrial Paper Shredders | Heavy-duty shredders designed for high-volume commercial or industrial shredding operations. |
| Shredders with Wastebaskets | Include a built-in bin for collecting shredded material during use. |
| Shredders without Wastebaskets | Compact shredders designed to sit over a separate waste bin or basket. |
| Manual Paper Shredders | Hand-operated shredders that do not require electricity and are typically used for light-duty shredding. |
What kind of shredders does Shred Nations use?
Our shredding contractors tend to use industrial shredders that are larger and made for higher-volume destruction. The way they break down paper differs slightly from the common shredders listed above. Industrial shredders create smaller, irregular particles in the destruction process, which are nearly impossible to reconstruct.
| Industrial Shredding Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Pierce and Tear Shredders | Use rotating blades to rip and tear materials into irregular pieces. Ideal for high-volume paper, cardboard, and mixed waste where uniform output isn’t required. |
| Hammer Mill Shredders | Use high-speed rotating hammers to crush and pulverize materials into small fragments. Commonly used for secure destruction and material reduction, including paper and electronic media. |
| Single Shaft Grinders | Use a single rotating shaft with cutting blades to gradually break materials down against a screen. Produce more controlled, consistent output for bulk material processing. |
| Dual Shaft (Two-Shaft) Shredders | Use two rotating shafts that pull and shred material simultaneously. Known for handling tough, bulky materials like binders, boxes, and mixed waste streams. |
| Granulators | Cut materials into small, uniform pieces using rotating and stationary knives. Often used after initial shredding to refine output size. |
| Rotary Shear Shredders | Use slow-speed, high-torque blades to shear materials apart. Efficient for dense materials and commonly used in industrial recycling applications. |
Compliance Questions
What is HIPAA?
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 requires all covered entities to proactively safeguard individually identifiable health and healthcare-related information. Please visit the US Dept of Health and Human Services.
What is GLBA?
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 requires that financial institutions take steps to ensure the security and confidentiality of their customer’ non-public, personal information. To learn more visit the Federal Trade Commission.
What is FACTA?
The Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act of 2003. The disposal rule requires proper destruction of all personal customer information. For current rulings please visit the Federal Trade Commission.
Secure Document Destruction With Shred Nations
Still have questions? If you don’t see your question here, give us a call at (800) 747-3365 or fill out our form so we can provide you with an answer. We’ll make sure you get the right solution for your shredding needs.
