Is in-house shredding really saving your business money? Use our free calculator to compare the true cost of DIY shredding versus professional document destruction.
Many businesses assume that purchasing an office shredder is the most cost-effective way to destroy documents. But when you add up equipment costs, employee time, maintenance, and security risks, the true cost is often two to five times higher than professional shredding.
Office cross-cut shredders range from $300 for basic models to $3,000+ for high-volume commercial units. Most need replacement every 3–5 years.
Feeding documents one page at a time, removing staples and clips, clearing jams, and emptying bins takes significant staff time away from productive work.
Oil, bags, blade replacements, and repairs. High-volume use increases wear and shortens equipment lifespan significantly.
Data breaches from improperly shredded documents can result in fines, lawsuits, and reputational damage. Office shredders produce strip-cut output that can be reassembled.
Office shredders do not produce a Certificate of Destruction. Without documentation, you cannot prove compliance with HIPAA, FACTA, or state privacy laws.
Staff time spent shredding could be spent on revenue-generating activities. For a $25/hr employee spending 2 hours per week, that is $2,600 per year in lost productivity.
Enter your office details below to see an estimated annual cost comparison between in-house shredding and professional service.
These estimates are for illustrative purposes only and based on industry averages. Actual costs may vary. Contact us for a personalized quote based on your specific needs.