Choosing the Right Shredding Container Size for Your Business

Container Selection Guide

The right container size balances security, convenience, and cost. Too small creates overflow problems; too large wastes money. This guide helps you choose correctly.

Available Container Sizes

Executive Consoles (80-100L):

• Dimensions: ~550mm x 400mm x 840mm
• Capacity: ~2-3 weeks for individual user
• Best for: Executive offices, boardrooms, reception

120L Security Bins:

• Dimensions: ~500mm x 550mm x 950mm
• Capacity: ~2 weeks for 2-5 staff
• Best for: Small offices, individual departments

240L Security Bins:

• Dimensions: ~580mm x 740mm x 1070mm
• Capacity: ~2 weeks for 5-15 staff
• Best for: Open plan areas, printer stations

660L Industrial Bins:

• Dimensions: ~1260mm x 770mm x 1200mm
• Capacity: ~2 weeks for 15-50 staff
• Best for: Mail rooms, records areas, high volume

Factors to Consider

Document Volume:

Estimate weekly paper generation:

• Light user: ~1kg per week
• Moderate: ~2-3kg per week
• Heavy: ~5kg+ per week

Collection Frequency:

More frequent = smaller containers acceptable Less frequent = larger containers needed

Available Space:

Measure available floor space Consider access for collection Account for lid opening clearance

Staff Count:

Rule of thumb:

• 1-5 staff: 120L
• 5-15 staff: 240L
• 15-50 staff: 660L

Placement Considerations

Reception:

Executive console—professional appearance

Open Plan Office:

240L near printer/copier stations

Executive Suites:

Executive console per office

Central Collection:

660L in mail room or records area

Meeting Rooms:

120L or executive console

Right-Sizing Your Service

Start Conservative:

Begin with estimated needs, adjust based on experience

Monitor Fill Rates:

Containers overflowing before collection? Increase size or frequency

Seasonal Variation:

End of financial year, tax time may need temporary increases

Growth Planning:

Consider business growth when selecting

Cost Optimisation

Overly Large Containers:

• Higher rental costs
• Wasted capacity
• Same collection costs regardless of fill

Undersized Containers:

• Staff frustration
• Overflow to general waste
• Security gaps

Optimal Sizing:

• 60-80% full at collection time
• Room for peak periods
• Staff find them convenient