What Shred-it Does
Shred-it is a commercial document destruction company that picks up boxes of paper from your home or office, transports them to a facility, and shreds them on-site or off-site. The company operates across North America and handles everything from tax returns and bank statements to old medical records and business files. You do not have to sort, organize, or prepare the documents yourself — you fill a box, schedule a pickup, and Shred-it handles the rest.
The service is not free. Shred-it charges by the box, the pound, or the volume, depending on the service level you choose. Prices vary by location and how often you use the service. One-time pickups typically cost more per box than ongoing monthly shredding contracts, which are common for businesses that generate sensitive paper regularly.
Shred-it is one option among several for destroying documents. Other choices include hiring a local shredding company, taking documents to a shredding event in your community, buying a personal shredder for your home, or burning documents in a fireplace or fire pit (where legal). Each option has different costs, convenience levels, and security guarantees.
Key Takeaways
- Shred-it charges by the box or pound and requires you to schedule a pickup; one-time service costs more than monthly contracts.
- The company provides a certificate of destruction after shredding, which documents that your papers were destroyed and can be useful for your records.
- You can request a locked box to be left at your location between pickups, so sensitive documents stay find until collection day.
- Shred-it operates in most major U.S. and Canadian cities, but service availability and pricing vary by region.
How to Schedule a Pickup
To use Shred-it, visit their website or call their customer service line to get a quote for your area. You will need to tell them how many boxes of documents you have or how often you expect to generate shredding material. They will give you a price and ask when you want the pickup to happen.
On pickup day, Shred-it will arrive with a locked container or box. You place your documents inside, and the driver seals it in front of you. This chain-of-custody process means you can see that your papers are locked before they leave your property. The driver will give you a receipt with a tracking number and a date for when the shredding will be completed.
If you choose an ongoing service, Shred-it will leave a locked box at your location. You drop documents into it whenever you have them, and the company picks up the full box on a regular schedule — weekly, monthly, or on another interval you agree to. This is the most common setup for offices and businesses.
What Happens to Your Documents
After pickup, your locked box goes to a Shred-it facility. The company shreds the paper into small pieces, typically cross-cut shreds that are harder to reassemble than straight-cut shreds. The shredded material is then recycled — most of it becomes pulp for new paper products or cardboard.
Shred-it provides a certificate of destruction after the job is complete. This document states the date, the weight or number of boxes shredded, and confirms that the material was destroyed. You can keep this certificate for your records. It is useful if you ever need to prove to a creditor, a government agency, or a court that you destroyed sensitive documents on a specific date.
The entire process from pickup to shredding typically takes one to two weeks, though this varies by location and how busy the facility is. You can track your shipment using the tracking number from your receipt.
Cost Comparison: Shred-it vs. Other Options
| Method | Cost Range | Convenience | Security Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shred-it one-time pickup | $50–$150 per box (varies by region) | High — they come to you | High — chain of custody, certificate provided |
| Shred-it monthly service | $30–$80 per box (lower per-box rate) | High — locked box on-site, regular pickup | High — locked container, certificate provided |
| Local shredding company | $40–$120 per box | Medium — varies by company | Medium to high — depends on company practices |
| Community shredding event | Free to $5 per box | Low — limited dates and hours | Medium — less formal tracking |
| Home shredder machine | $30–$300 upfront | High — shred on your schedule | High — you control the process |
When Shred-it Makes Sense
Shred-it is most practical if you have a large volume of documents to destroy at once, or if you generate sensitive papers regularly and want a hands-off solution. Businesses with employee records, financial files, and client information almost always use a service like Shred-it because the volume and security requirements make it worth the cost.
For households, Shred-it is worth considering if you have accumulated years of tax returns, bank statements, medical records, or other sensitive papers and do not want to spend hours running them through a home shredder. One pickup can clear out a closet or filing cabinet in a single transaction.
Shred-it is less practical if you only have a few documents to destroy, if you shred infrequently, or if you are on a tight budget. In those cases, a community shredding event or a personal shredder may be more cost-effective.
Questions to Ask Before You Order
Before you book a Shred-it pickup, confirm the pricing for your zip code — rates vary significantly by region. Ask whether the quote includes the certificate of destruction or if that costs extra. Find out the pickup window — some appointments are broad (like "sometime between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.") and others are narrower.
If you are using an ongoing service, ask what happens if you miss a pickup or need to cancel. Some companies charge a fee; others do not. Also ask about the locked box itself — whether Shred-it owns it or whether you do, and what happens if the box is damaged or lost.
For businesses, ask about Shred-it's data security certifications. Many companies are certified under standards like NAID AAA (National Association for Information Destruction) or ISO 27001, which means they follow strict protocols for handling sensitive material. If you work with regulated data — health records, financial information, or personal data — this certification matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to remove documents from folders or binders before Shred-it picks them up?
No. Shred-it can shred documents in folders, binders, and envelopes. You do not need to sort or prepare the papers. However, some items like metal staples, plastic dividers, or hard covers may slow down the shredding process, so removing them if you have time can help.
What if I need the certificate of destruction right away?
Shred-it typically mails or emails the certificate within one to two weeks of shredding. If you need it faster, contact their customer service and ask if they can expedite it. Some locations may be able to provide it sooner, but this is not may provide.
Can Shred-it destroy things other than paper?
Shred-it primarily shreds paper and cardboard. They do not typically shred hard drives, credit cards, or other materials. If you have non-paper items to destroy, ask during your quote — some locations have separate services or can refer you to another company.
Is Shred-it cheaper than buying my own shredder?
It depends on volume. A decent home shredder costs $50 to $300 upfront and lasts several years. If you shred only once or twice a year, a home shredder pays for itself quickly. If you shred large volumes regularly or infrequently, Shred-it's per-box pricing may be lower overall because you avoid the upfront machine cost and the time spent shredding.
What if I change my mind after scheduling a pickup?
Most Shred-it locations allow you to cancel or reschedule with notice — usually 24 to 48 hours before the appointment. Cancellations made within that window are free. If you cancel closer to the pickup time, you may be charged a fee. Check your confirmation email or call customer service to confirm the cancellation policy for your area.