How Long Does Document Shredding Take? Complete Timeline Guide

Frequently Asked Question: How Long Does Shredding Take?

One of the most common questions we receive is about timing. Businesses need to plan, and knowing the timeline helps with scheduling and compliance.

Quick Answer

Onsite Shredding: Same day, typically 15-60 minutes on your premises Offsite Collection: Documents destroyed within 24-48 hours of collection Booking Lead Time: Usually 24-48 hours, same-day available for urgent needs

Detailed Timeline: Onsite Shredding

Booking (Day 0)

• Call or book online
• Confirm date and approximate volume
• Receive confirmation

Service Day

• Truck arrives at scheduled time
• Setup: 5-10 minutes
• Shredding rate: 2-3 tonnes per hour
• Average job (10-20 boxes): 15-30 minutes
• Certificate issued: Immediately on completion

Total Elapsed Time: Often same day from booking to certificate

Detailed Timeline: Offsite Collection

Booking (Day 0)

• Arrange collection date
• Confirm container requirements

Collection Day

• Secure containers collected
• Transported to destruction facility

Destruction (Day 1-2)

• Documents shredded at secure facility
• Material baled for recycling

Certificate (Day 2-3)

• Certificate of destruction issued
• Sent via email or post

Total Elapsed Time: 2-3 business days

What Affects Timing?

Volume:

• Small jobs (1-10 boxes): Faster
• Large jobs (100+ boxes): May require scheduling

Access:

• Easy loading dock access: Quick
• Stairs, lifts, tight spaces: Additional time

Season:

• EOFY (June-July): Higher demand, book early
• Regular periods: Usually available within 24-48 hours

Service Type:

• Regular scheduled: Predictable timing
• One-off jobs: Flexible scheduling

Urgent Destruction

Need documents destroyed immediately? We offer:

Same-Day Service:

• Available for most Perth metro locations
• Subject to truck availability
• Premium rate applies

Priority Scheduling:

• Next business day guaranteed
• Ideal for urgent compliance needs
• Confirm by 2pm for next day

Planning Your Destruction

For Best Results:

• Book 3-5 business days in advance
• Confirm volumes and access details
• Have documents consolidated and ready
• Clear access path for collection

Regular Scheduled Service:

• Set and forget weekly/fortnightly collection
• Consistent timing
• No booking required after setup

Got a deadline? Call us to discuss your timeline requirements.