Shredding old files is a necessary part of any document management strategy. Finding a provider who puts your security above all else should be your top concern, but you are probably also considering the cost.
The price of a shredding project varies based on where the material is, the amount of materials you need shredded, and the type of service you choose. There may also be additional fees for special requests, such as weekend services or charges for transporting heavy boxes up and down stairs.
Some services will charge a flat fee, others charge by weight, and some charge by volume. Always ask your provider how they charge for shredding services so you know what to expect.
Estimate How Much You Have to Shred
Before you start shredding or get quotes on your shredding project, estimate how much material you have. For shredding service options that charge by weight or volume use these approximate guidelines:
- Standard letter sized file storage box (10” x 12” x 15”) weighs about 25-30 lbs
- Standard Xerox letter size box (10” x 12” x 18”) weighs about 30-35 lbs
- A ream of paper (2-inch stack of 8.5” x 11” paper/500 pieces) weighs about 5 lbs
- Legal-size file storage box (10” x 14” x 24”) weighs about 55-60 lbs
- Long letter size file storage box (10” x 12” x 24”) weighs about 45-50 lbs
- 13 gallon white trash bag weighs about 20-25 lbs
- 33 gallon black garbage bag weighs about 35-50 lbs
A fool proof way to know how much paper you have by weight—weigh yourself and then weigh yourself again while holding your files. Subtract the smaller number from the larger one and you have your magic number.
Average Cost of Shredding by Service Type
When it comes to shredding your papers, you have several service options in the Chicago metro area, each of which charge at different rates.
Drop Off Shredding Services in Chicago
These services are designed for smaller projects that weigh less than 90 pounds. Typically, these services charge by the pound, and the national average price is $1 per pound*—but that fluctuates depending on where you are located and how much paperwork you have.
Mobile Shredding Services
The most secure and convenient shredding service—mobile (sometimes called onsite) shredding services drive to you and shred your materials at your location while you watch. Meant for larger shredding projects that weigh in at over 90 pounds, this type of service charges a minimum of $119*, but prices vary based on volume. Call us at (773) 922-1493 for a more accurate estimate on your specific project.
Offsite Shredding Services
Your documents are picked up and shredded at a secure facility. Also meant for larger shredding projects, this type of service charges $119* on average and will vary based on volume. Call us at (773) 922-1493 for an accurate estimate on your exact project.
Shred Events in Chicago, IL
Shred event costs fluctuate quite a bit, but one of the best ways to make sure your shred event is as cost-effective as possible is to ask for donations. Our Chicago shred event customers have been more likely to cover the cost of their entire event when they ask for donations rather than asking for a minimum shred fee.
Hard Drive Shredding
These services charge by the number of hard drives you have to shred. Prices vary based on the shredding company, how they shred or destroy your hard drives, and how many hard drives you have. The typical range is anywhere from $3-$10 for less than 10 hard drives*, and the more drives you have the cheaper these services become.
Get Free Quotes on Local Chicago Paper Shredding Services
One of the best ways to ensure you get the best price on your shredding project is to get quotes. We will get you several quotes from secure Illinois providers for free, so you can choose the option that works best for your business. Call us today at (773) 922-1493 or fill out the form on the left to get started.
*The pricing mentioned above is only an estimate and is not intended to be representative of the pricing in any particular market. It is also not intended to be representative of the pricing that you may be quoted by shredding companies within our network.