If you’ve been managing your document shredding needs with a basic office shredder—or worse, a box cutter and some elbow grease—you’re not alone. Many businesses and households believe they’re savingonsite shred service money by handling document destruction themselves. But have you stopped to calculate what DIY shredding is costing you? Spoiler alert—it’s probably more than you think. From wasted time to hidden risks, the inefficiencies of DIY shredding can add up fast.

Here’s the good news. Professional shredding services don’t just save you from a monotonous task. They spare you the costs you might not even realize you’re carrying. Keep reading as we break it all down—and don’t forget to check out the pro tips along the way!

 

The DIY Shredding Dilemma

At first glance, buying a personal shredder might seem like a cost-effective solution for disposing of confidential documents. But the reality is far more complicated. Here’s where DIY shredding falls short:

1. Time is Money

Shredding even a modest pile of documents with a personal shredder can take hours. You’re removing staples, feeding papers in one by one, and frequently clearing paper jams. For a business, this is time that could be better spent on revenue-generating activities.

Pro Tip: Estimate how much value your time holds. If you’re spending hours shredding weekly or monthly, the cost of lost productivity likely outweighs the price of professional services.

2. Equipment Costs

A good shredder isn’t cheap, and the inexpensive models often burn out under heavy use. Add to that the cost of maintenance, repairs, and energy usage—especially for office shredders that need to run continuously—and your DIY efforts suddenly don’t seem that affordable.

3. Limited Capacity

Most personal or office shredders are simply not built for high volumes of shredding. They overheat, require constant emptying, and break down under the pressure of bulk jobs. If you’ve got filing cabinets full of old documents, prepare for a frustrating experience.

Pro Tip: Instead of overwhelming your small shredder, consider a one-time purge shredding service. It’s perfect for those big, “I’ve been meaning to do this forever” jobs.

4. Data Security Risks

Believe it or not, DIY shredding can leave you vulnerable to data theft. Some lower-grade shredders only cut paper into strips, which can be reassembled by determined criminals. Additionally, DIY shredding often overlooks the proper disposal of shredded material. Dumpsters can be treasure troves for identity thieves.

Pro Tip: If security is non-negotiable for you, look for professional shredding companies that provide cross-cut or micro-cut shredding certified to destroy documents beyond recovery.

5. Environmental Concerns

What do you do with shredded paper? Many people just throw it out, missing the opportunity to recycle responsibly. Professional shredding services often include eco-friendly disposal practices, making them a better choice for the environment.

Pro Tip: Ask your shredding provider whether they recycle shredded materials responsibly. Many, like Proshred® Minnesota, offer environmentally conscious solutions to minimize waste.

 

The Advantages of Professional Shredding

Now that we’ve seen what’s wrong with DIY shredding, let’s talk about the benefits of going pro. Hiring a professional shredding service like Proshred® Minnesota isn’t just convenient—it’s a smart investment.

1. Efficiency That Saves Time
Professional shredding services can handle in minutes what might take you days. Whether you need an ongoing plan or a one-time solution to clear an archive of old files, service providers bring the speed and capacity you need.

2. Enhanced Security

With on-site shredding, you can watch your documents being destroyed. This level of transparency guarantees that your confidential information is gone for good. Plus, professional shredding companies comply with strict security standards, so you can rest easy knowing your data is untouchable. Proshred Minnesota provides a Certificate of Destruction which will give you additional peace of mind!

3. Cost Transparency

Proshred® offers flat-rate pricing—you’re charged by the container, not by the hour or weight of your documents. Plus, there are no hidden fees. Compare this to the creeping costs of personal shredding, and the savings become clear.

Pro Tip: Check if the shredding service offers a Certificate of Destruction. These documents are invaluable for tracking compliance with privacy regulations.

4. Eco-Friendly Disposal

Not only do professional services shred securely, but they also recycle. At Proshred® Minnesota, shredded materials are sent to local recycling facilities, giving your documents a second life without harming the planet.

5. Scalable Solutions

Professional shredding can be tailored to your needs. Whether you’re looking for recurring services at your business or a drop-off shredding option for smaller personal needs, there’s always a solution in place.

Pro Tip: Recurring shredding services often come with free secure containers for document disposal, making it effortless to stay organized and compliant.

 

What is the Verdict?

DIY shredding might feel like the thrifty option upfront, but when you factor in the hidden costs—time, effort, security risks, and environmental impact—it’s clear that professional services come out on top. With Proshred® Minnesota, you get security, speed, and savings all rolled into one stress-free solution.

Still trying to juggle your shredding needs on your own? Maybe it’s time to stop shredding your time and start shredding smarter. Give us a call and we’ll help you protect what matters most—without the hidden costs.