Shred-it is a global provider of secure document destruction services for businesses and individuals protecting confidential information. The company’s pricing structure is highly customized, reflecting the complex logistics and security requirements of professional shredding. Understanding Shred-it’s service fees requires examining the specific service model and the variables unique to each customer’s needs. Therefore, the cost varies widely based on several distinct factors.
Understanding Shred-it’s Service Options
The starting point for determining cost is selecting the appropriate service type, which dictates the underlying pricing model. Shred-it primarily offers two main categories: recurring scheduled services and one-time purge cleanouts.
Scheduled service is designed for organizations that generate confidential paper waste continuously and require a fixed security solution. Customers receive secure, lockable containers serviced on a fixed schedule (e.g., weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly). Pricing is typically subscription-based and calculated per container, per service visit, providing predictable billing.
The one-time purge service is suitable for large, infrequent cleanouts, such as clearing archived files. This service is priced based on the total volume of material, usually measured by the number of boxes or weight. This bulk shredding option is ideal for clients who need secure destruction of a large quantity of accumulated documents but do not have an ongoing need.
An additional choice is whether destruction occurs on-site or off-site, which affects the base rate. On-site shredding uses a mobile truck at the customer’s location, allowing for witnessed destruction. Off-site destruction involves securely transporting documents to a certified facility, which may offer a slightly lower base cost due to logistical efficiencies.
Key Variables That Determine Pricing
Once a service type is selected, several variables influence the final price. The primary factor is the volume or quantity of material requiring destruction. For one-time purges, a higher volume often results in a lower rate per unit due to bulk discounts.
For recurring services, the frequency of pickup is a major cost driver; a weekly service carries a higher overall monthly charge than a monthly service. Geographic location also plays a role, as operational costs, local market competition, and fuel expenses vary by region. Service in a dense metropolitan area may include a specific metro charge to account for increased overhead.
The type of material also affects the final cost beyond standard paper documents. Shred-it offers specialized destruction for items like hard drives, solid-state media, uniforms, and specialty products, which carry additional fees due to different equipment and processes. Shred-it also applies various surcharges, such as a variable Fuel Surcharge and an Environmental Surcharge, calculated as percentages of the service subtotal.
Estimated Costs for Common Shredding Needs
Since Shred-it does not publish a standardized price list, estimated costs must be used, which depend heavily on the variables mentioned. For a small business using recurring scheduled service, the monthly cost for one or two standard consoles or bins might range from approximately $75 to $150 or more. This estimate typically includes the secure bin rental and the scheduled destruction service, influenced by pickup frequency and local market pricing.
Residential or small office clients seeking a one-time purge often face a minimum service fee, regardless of the small volume. This minimum charge for an on-site mobile service for up to ten standard banker boxes often falls between $125 and $175. If the service is priced per box without a mobile visit, the cost may be lower, sometimes ranging from $5 to $15 per box.
These figures are illustrative estimates intended to set a general expectation for professional secure destruction services. These price ranges frequently exclude ancillary charges that Shred-it applies, such as the Fuel Surcharge and the Environmental Surcharge. The overall cost for a large-scale purge involving hundreds of boxes can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on volume and labor requirements.
Securing a Final, Accurate Quote
The only way to determine the precise cost is to obtain a formal, custom quote directly from Shred-it. The process begins by contacting the company via their online request form or by phone to initiate a consultation. Customers must be prepared to provide detailed information about their requirements during this initial contact.
This necessary information includes the exact service address, the estimated volume of material, and the desired frequency of service. Before committing to any agreement, request a written contract or quote that clearly itemizes all fees, including potential fuel or environmental surcharges. Reviewing the full schedule of charges ensures the final price does not contain unexpected fees related to labor or specific material handling.